[Stimulating effect of vitamin A on the absorption and metabolism of zinc in chicks].

Zinc metabolism and absorption were examined in chicks of two groups that differed in vitamin A supply. Five week chicks that were given a diet without an addition of vitamin A showed overt symptoms of A-avitaminosis. The condition was followed by marked changes in the zinc metabolism and absorption in the intestine and by insignificant changes in the calcium metabolism. Vitamin A was administered per os at a dose of 24,000 i. u. (in oil) and 72 hours later zinc absorption in the ileum increased noticeably and zinc balance in the body became positive.