importance in maintaining a correct balance of that element (1–3). It has also
been shown that exogenous zinc inhibits the absorption of endogenous
zinc (1).Zinc is absorbed through carrier systems and by passive diffusion
in the duodenum and small intestine. The daily zinc requirement is less
than 0.031 mmol (2 mg) and the average amount dietary of zinc is
0.152–0.229 mmol (10–15 mg) per day (4).These values suggest that fecal
zinc is not a good indicator of zinc homeostasis.