title: 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/l). When puberty degree 4 had been reached, the mean RBP level increased to nearly adult values (about 40 mg/l), 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.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011627:Puberty; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins / Q000097:blood*; D012737:Sex Factors; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins; D015032:Zinc