Abstract
To assess the effect of zinc supplementation on plasma retinol levels, 24 preterm infants were randomly assigned to receive 400 micrograms.kg-1.d-1 of intravenous Zn or no Zn supplementation. Intakes of protein, energy, and vitamin A were similar for both groups as were day 0 plasma concentrations of retinol, retinol-binding protein (RBP), and Zn. Zn concentrations were not significantly different between groups at any time during the 3-wk study; however, retinol values in wk 1 increased more in the supplemented group (delta = 10.0 vs 0.9 micrograms/dL, or 0.35 vs 0.031 mumol/L; p less than 0.005). RBP appeared to increase more in the supplemented group but did not reach statistical significance. We hypothesize that the increase in plasma retinol levels noted in the preterm infants receiving Zn supplementation may be mediated by an increased production of RBP in the liver that in turn enhances the hepatic release of retinol.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
