RESUMEN
Zinc bioavailability in the diet of the population of São Paulo area, with income lower than two minimum salaries, was studied in Wistar rats, recently weaned, with an average weight of 47.0 g. Three groups formed the experimental protocol: for 60 days. The experimental groups was fed ad libitum with a diet based on the diet of São Paulo (DRSP), control 1-"pair feeding" and control 2, ad libitum, with a diet of casein supplemented with methionine (CA). The diets contained 11% protein and 11 mg of zinc per kg of diet. To investigate zinc bioavailability, the apparent zinc absorption index and zinc content in the carcass, were used. Zinc bioavailability in the DRSP diet is low in comparison to the control diet CA. A significantly positive correlation between zinc intake and zinc level in the carcass, was observed.