Acne treatment with oral zinc and vitamin A: effects on the serum levels of zinc and retinol binding protein (RBP)
Vahlquist, A.; Michaëlsson, G.; Juhlin, L.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica 58(5): 437-442
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5555 PMID: 82355 Document Number: 134432
The serum levels of Zn, vitamin A and retinol binding protein (RBP) were studied in 75 acne patients before and during oral treatment with Zn, vitamin A or placebo. In the Zn-treated patients, an increase in the mean serum Zn level was seen after 2 wk, also when the first clinical improvement occurred. After 4 wk the Zn level had increased by about 30% and no further significant increase was observed during 3 mo. of treatment. In 33 healthy subjects there was an increase of 14% after 4 wk of Zn therapy. Vitamin A and placebo induced no significant changes in the serum Zn status. Prior to therapy the serum levels of vitamin A and RBP were lower in the acne patients than in the controls. Zn + vitamin A treatment raised the serum RBP value to normal after 4 wk. In patients given vitamin A alone, a probable increase in RBP was achieved. Zn and placebo treatment did not change the serum level of RBP.