Zinc and Vitamin A: Serum Concentrations of Zinc and Retinol-Binding Protein (RBP) in Healthy Adolescents

Abstract

The concentrations of serum zinc and retinol-binding protein (RBP) have been studied with special reference to pubertal development in 132 healthy adolescents and young adults (11–26 years of age). The RBP level remained low during the first three of the five stages of puberty (mean, about 30 mg/I). When puberty degree 4 had been reached, the mean RBP level increased to nearly adult values (about 40 mg/1), the boys having somewhat higher levels than the girls. Use of oral contraceptives significantly increased the RBP level. The mean zinc values were rather constant throughout puberty, but boys 13–14 years of age had significantly depressed values. There was a statistically significant correlation between the serum levels of zinc and RBP.

Key Words:

• Adolescence
• oral contraceptives
• pubertal development
• retinol-binding protein
• vitamin A
• zinc