Plasma zinc and retinol binding protein concentrations in pregnant Turkish women: A longitudinal study

Plasma Zinc (Zn) and retinol binding protein (RBP) were simultaneously measured in 40 and 30 apparently healthy, pregnant Turkish women longitudinally. The studied subjects were divided into poorly nourished (PN) and well nourished (WN) groups on the basis of "nutritional history." Mean plasma Zn level was significantly lower in PN pregnant women as compared to the WN counterparts. Mean IRBP level was not different from that of controls. Furthermore. "nutrition" did not have an effect on RBP level throughout pregnancy. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 14:11-16. 2001. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.