Plasma zinc and hair zinc levels, anthropometric status and food intake of children in a rural area of Brazil A B S T R A C T ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the levels of plasma zinc, hair zinc, growth and food consumption in children aged 6 to 24 months in a rural area of Diamantina (MG), Brazil. MethodsPlasma and hair zinc concentrations were analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry and neutron activation analysis, respectively. Weight-for-age, weight-for-height and height-for-age, expressed as Z-scores, were measured according to the World Health Organization reference curves. Dietary zinc intake was determined by a 3-day dietary recall filled out by the mother or guardian. ResultsZinc deficiency was found in 11.2% and 16.8% of the children according to plasma zinc e hair zinc levels, respectively. Mean plasma zinc and hair zinc for children ≤11 (49) and >11 (127)