@article{SchweigertBaumaneBuchholzetal.1998, author = {Schweigert, Florian J. and Baumane, Anita and Buchholz, Ingeborg and Schoon, Heinz-Adolf}, title = {ß-Carotene accumulation in lung tissue of rats fed different types of fat}, year = {1998}, language = {en} } @article{KilercikUcalSerdaretal.2022, author = {Kilercik, Meltem and Ucal, Yasemin and Serdar, Muhittin and Serteser, Mustafa and Ozpinar, Aysel and Schweigert, Florian J.}, title = {Zinc protoporphyrin levels in COVID-19 are indicative of iron deficiency and potential predictor of disease severity}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {17}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {2}, publisher = {PLOS}, address = {San Francisco, California, US}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0262487}, pages = {16}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has a severe impact on all aspects of patient care. Among the numerous biomarkers of potential validity for diagnostic and clinical management of COVID-19 are biomarkers at the interface of iron metabolism and inflammation. Methods The follow-up study included 54 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 with a moderate and severe/critical form of the disease. Iron deficiency specific biomarkers such as iron, ferritin, transferrin receptor, hepcidin, and zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) as well as relevant markers of inflammation were evaluated twice: in the first five days when the patient was admitted to the hospital and during five to 15 days; and their validity to diagnose iron deficiency was further assessed. The regression and Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analyses were performed to evaluate the prognosis and determine the probability for predicting the severity of the disease in the first five days of COVID-19. Results Based on hemoglobin values, anemia was observed in 21 of 54 patients. Of all iron deficiency anemia-related markers, only ZnPP was significantly elevated (P<0.001) in the anemic group. When patients were grouped according to the severity of disease, slight differences in hemoglobin or other anemia-related parameters could be observed. However, the levels of ZnPP were significantly increased in the severely ill group of patients. The ratio of ZnPP to lymphocyte count (ZnPP/L) had a discrimination power stronger than the neutrophil to lymphocyte count ratio (N/L) to determine disease severity. Additionally, only two markers were independently associated with the severity of COVID-19 in logistic regression analysis; D-dimer (OR (5.606)(95\% CI 1.019-30.867)) and ZnPP/L ratio (OR (74.313) (95\% CI 1.081-5108.103)). Conclusions For the first time ZnPP in COVID-19 patients were reported in this study. Among all iron-related markers tested, ZnPP was the only one that was associated with anemia as based on hemoglobin. The increase in ZnPP might indicate that the underlying cause of anemia in COVID-19 patients is not only due to the inflammation but also of nutritional origin. Additionally, the ZnPP/L ratio might be a valid prognostic marker for the severity of COVID-19.}, language = {en} } @article{KaruwanarintPhonratTungtrongchitretal.2018, author = {Karuwanarint, Piyaporn and Phonrat, Benjaluck and Tungtrongchitr, Anchalee and Suriyaprom, Kanjana and Chuengsamarn, Somlak and Schweigert, Florian J. and Tungtrongchitr, Rungsunn}, title = {Vitamin D-binding protein and its polymorphisms as a predictor for metabolic syndrome}, series = {Biomarkers in medicine}, volume = {12}, journal = {Biomarkers in medicine}, number = {5}, publisher = {Future Medicine}, address = {London}, issn = {1752-0363}, doi = {10.2217/bmm-2018-0029}, pages = {465 -- 473}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Aim: To investigate the relationship of vitamin D-binding protein (GC) and genetic variation of GC (rs4588, rs7041 and rs2282679) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the Thai population. Materials \& methods: GCglobulin concentrations were measured by quantitative western blot analysis in 401 adults. All participants were genotyped using TaqMan allelic discrimination assays. Results: GC-globulin levels were significatly lower in MetS subjects than in control subjects, in which significant negative correlations of GC-globulin levels with systolic blood pressure, glucose and age were found. Male participants who carried the GT genotype for rs4588 showed an increased risk of MetS compared with the GG wild-type (odds ratio: 3.25; p = 0.004). Conclusion: GC-globulin concentrations and variation in GC rs4588 were supported as a risk factor for MetS in Thais.}, language = {en} } @article{DanquahDobruckyFranketal.2015, author = {Danquah, Ina and Dobrucky, C. Lydia and Frank, Laura K. and Henze, Andrea and Amoako, Yaw A. and Bedu-Addo, George and Raila, Jens and Schulze, Matthias Bernd and Mockenhaupt, Frank P. and Schweigert, Florian J.}, title = {Vitamin A: potential misclassification of vitamin A status among patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension in urban Ghana}, series = {The American journal of clinical nutrition : a publication of the American Society for Nutrition, Inc.}, volume = {102}, journal = {The American journal of clinical nutrition : a publication of the American Society for Nutrition, Inc.}, number = {1}, publisher = {American Society for Nutrition, Inc.}, address = {Bethesda}, issn = {0002-9165}, doi = {10.3945/ajcn.114.101345}, pages = {207 -- 214}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Background: Sub-Saharan Africa is facing a double burden of malnutrition: vitamin A deficiency (VAD) prevails, whereas the nutrition-related chronic conditions type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension are emerging. Serum retinol a VAD marker increases in kidney disease and decreases in inflammation, which can partly be attributed to alterations in the vitamin A transport proteins retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and prealbumin. Kidney dysfunction and inflammation commonly accompany T2D and hypertension. Objective: Among urban Ghanaians, we investigated the associations of T2D and hypertension with serum retinol as well as the importance of kidney function and inflammation in this regard. Design: A hospital-based, case-control study in individuals for risk factors of T2D, hypertension, or both was conducted in Kumasi, Ghana (328 controls, 197 with T2D, 354 with hypertension, and 340 with T2D plus hypertension). In 1219 blood samples, serum retinol, RBP4, and prealbumin were measured. Urinary albumin and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) defined kidney function. C-reactive protein (CRP) >5 mg/L indicated inflammation. We identified associations of T2D and hypertension with retinol by linear regression and calculated the contribution of RBP4, prealbumin, urinary albumin, eGFR, and CRP to these associations as the percentages of the explained variance of retinol. Results: VAD (retinol <1.05 mu mol/L) was present in 10\% of this predominantly female, middle-aged, overweight, and deprived population. Hypertension, but not T2D, was positively associated with retinol (beta: 0.12; 95\% CI: 0.08, 0,17), adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic factors, anthropometric measurements, and lifestyle. In addition to RBP4 (72\%) and prealbumin (22\%), the effect of increased retinol on individuals with hypertension was mainly attributed to impaired kidney function (eGFR: 30\%; urinary albumin: 5\%) but not to inflammation. Conclusions: In patients with hypertension, VAD might be underestimated because of increased serum retinol in the context of kidney dysfunction. Thus, the interpretation of serum retinol in sub-Saharan Africa should account for hypertension status.}, language = {en} } @article{SchweigertKlingerHurtienneetal.2003, author = {Schweigert, Florian J. and Klinger, Jeannine and Hurtienne, Andrea and Zunft, Hans-Joachim Franz}, title = {Vitamin A, carotenoid and vitamin E plasma concentrations in children from Laos in relation to sex and growth failure}, year = {2003}, language = {en} } @article{HenzeRailaKempfetal.2011, author = {Henze, Andrea and Raila, Jens and Kempf, Caroline and Reinke, Petra and Sefrin, Anett and Querfeld, Uwe and Schweigert, Florian J.}, title = {Vitamin A metabolism is changed in donors after living-kidney transplantation an observational study}, series = {Lipids in health and disease}, volume = {10}, journal = {Lipids in health and disease}, number = {23}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1476-511X}, doi = {10.1186/1476-511X-10-231}, pages = {7}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background: The kidneys are essential for the metabolism of vitamin A (retinol) and its transport proteins retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and transthyretin. Little is known about changes in serum concentration after living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) as a consequence of unilateral nephrectomy; although an association of these parameters with the risk of cardiovascular diseases and insulin resistance has been suggested. Therefore we analyzed the concentration of retinol, RBP4, apoRBP4 and transthyretin in serum of 20 living-kidney donors and respective recipients at baseline as well as 6 weeks and 6 months after LDKT. Results: As a consequence of LDKT, the kidney function of recipients was improved while the kidney function of donors was moderately reduced within 6 weeks after LDKT. With regard to vitamin A metabolism, the recipients revealed higher levels of retinol, RBP4, transthyretin and apoRBP4 before LDKT in comparison to donors. After LDKT, the levels of all four parameters decreased in serum of the recipients, while retinol, RBP4 as well as apoRBP4 serum levels of donors increased and remained increased during the follow-up period of 6 months. Conclusion: LDKT is generally regarded as beneficial for allograft recipients and not particularly detrimental for the donors. However, it could be demonstrated in this study that a moderate reduction of kidney function by unilateral nephrectomy, resulted in an imbalance of components of vitamin A metabolism with a significant increase of retinol and RBP4 and apoRBP4 concentration in serum of donors.}, language = {en} } @article{SchweigertBok2000, author = {Schweigert, Florian J. and Bok, V.}, title = {Vitamin A in blood plasma and urine of dogs is affected by the dietary level of vitamin A}, year = {2000}, language = {en} } @article{SchweigertRailaHaebel1998, author = {Schweigert, Florian J. and Raila, Jens and Haebel, Sophie}, title = {Vitamin A excreted in the urine of canines is associated with a Tamm-Horsfall-like Glycoprotein}, year = {1998}, language = {en} } @article{RailaKawashimaSauerweinetal.2017, author = {Raila, Jens and Kawashima, Chiho and Sauerwein, Helga and H{\"u}lsmann, Nadine and Knorr, Christoph and Myamoto, Akio and Schweigert, Florian J.}, title = {Validation of blood vitamin A concentrations in cattle: comparison of a new cow-side test (iCheck™ FLUORO) with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)}, series = {BMC veterinary research}, volume = {13}, journal = {BMC veterinary research}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, doi = {10.1186/s12917-017-1042-3}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Plasma concentration of retinol is an accepted indicator to assess the vitamin A (retinol) status in cattle. However, the determination of vitamin A requires a time consuming multi-step procedure, which needs specific equipment to perform extraction, centrifugation or saponification prior to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Methods: The concentrations of retinol in whole blood (n = 10), plasma (n = 132) and serum (n = 61) were measured by a new rapid cow-side test (iCheck™ FLUORO) and compared with those by HPLC in two independent laboratories in Germany (DE) and Japan (JP). Results: Retinol concentrations in plasma ranged from 0.033 to 0.532 mg/L, and in serum from 0.043 to 0.360 mg/L (HPLC method). No significant differences in retinol levels were observed between the new rapid cow-side test and HPLC performed in different laboratories (HPLC vs. iCheck™ FLUORO: 0.320 ± 0.047 mg/L vs. 0.333 ± 0.044 mg/L, and 0.240 ± 0.096 mg/L vs. 0.241 ± 0.069 mg/L, lab DE and lab JP, respectively). A similar comparability was observed when whole blood was used (HPLC vs. iCheck™ FLUORO: 0.353 ± 0.084 mg/L vs. 0.341 ± 0.064 mg/L). Results showed a good agreement between both methods based on correlation coefficients of r2 = 0.87 (P < 0.001) and Bland-Altman blots revealed no significant bias for all comparison. Conclusions: With the new rapid cow-side test (iCheck™ FLUORO) retinol concentrations in cattle can be reliably assessed within a few minutes and directly in the barn using even whole blood without the necessity of prior centrifugation. The ease of the application of the new rapid cow-side test and its portability can improve the diagnostic of vitamin A status and will help to control vitamin A supplementation in specific vitamin A feeding regimes such as used to optimize health status in calves or meat marbling in Japanese Black cattle.}, language = {en} } @article{RohnerGarrettLaillouetal.2012, author = {Rohner, Fabian and Garrett, Greg S. and Laillou, Arnaud and Frey, Simone K. and Mothes, Ralf and Schweigert, Florian J. and Locatelli-Rossi, Lorenzo}, title = {Validation of a user-friendly and rapid method for quantifying iodine content of salt}, series = {Food and nutrition bulletin}, volume = {33}, journal = {Food and nutrition bulletin}, number = {4}, publisher = {International Nutrition Foundation}, address = {Boston}, issn = {0379-5721}, pages = {S330 -- S335}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background. Despite considerable progress made in the past decade through salt iodization programs, over 2 billion people worldwide still have inadequate iodine intake, with devastating consequences for brain development and intellectual capacity. To optimize these programs with regard to salt iodine content, careful monitoring of salt iodine content is essential, but few methods are available to quantitatively measure iodine concentration in a simple, fast, and safe way. Objective. We have validated a newly developed device that quantitatively measures the content of potassium iodate in salt in a simple, safe, and rapid way. Methods. The linearity, determination and detection limit, and inter- and intra-assay variability of this colorimetric method were assessed and the method was compared with iodometric titration, using salt samples from several countries. Results. Linearity of analysis ranged from 5 to 75 mg/kg iodine, with I mg/kg being the determination limit; the intra- and interassay imprecision was 0.9\%, 0.5\%, and 0.7\% and 1.5\%, 1.7\%, and 2.5\% for salt samples with iodine contents of 17, 30, and 55 mg/kg, respectively; the interoperator imprecision for the same samples was 1.2\%, 4.9\%, and 4.7\%, respectively. Comparison with the iodometric method showed high agreement between the methods (R-2 = 0.978; limits of agreement, -10.5 to 10.0 mg/kg). Conclusions. The device offers a field- and user-friendly solution to quantifying potassium iodate salt content reliably. For countries that use potassium iodide in salt iodization programs, further validation is required.}, language = {en} } @article{RailaEnjalbertMothesetal.2012, author = {Raila, Jens and Enjalbert, Francis and Mothes, Ralf and Hurtienne, Andrea and Schweigert, Florian J.}, title = {Validation of a new point-of-care assay for determination of ss-carotene concentration in bovine whole blood and plasma}, series = {Veterinary clinical pathology}, volume = {41}, journal = {Veterinary clinical pathology}, number = {1}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Malden}, issn = {0275-6382}, doi = {10.1111/j.1939-165X.2012.00400.x}, pages = {119 -- 122}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background: beta-Carotene is an important precursor of vitamin A, and is associated with bovine fertility. beta-Carotene concentrations in plasma are used to optimize beta-carotene supplementation in cattle, but measurement requires specialized equipment to separate plasma and extract and measure beta-carotene, either using spectrophotometry or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Objective: The objective of this study was to validate a new 2-step point-of-care (POC) assay for measuring beta-carotene in whole blood and plasma. Methods: beta-carotene concentrations in plasma from 166 cows were measured using HPLC and compared with results obtained using a POC assay, the iCheck-iEx-Carotene test kit. Whole blood samples from 23 of these cattle were also evaluated using the POC assay and compared with HPLC-plasma results from the same 23 animals. The POC assay includes an extraction vial (iEx Carotene) and hand-held photometer (iCheck Carotene). Results: Concentrations of beta-carotene in plasma measured using the POC assay ranged from 0.40 to 15.84 mg/L (n = 166). No differences were observed between methods for assay of plasma (mean +/- SD; n = 166): HPLC-plasma 4.23 +/- 2.35 mg/L; POC-plasma 4.49 +/- 2.36 mg/L. Similar good agreement was found when plasma analyzed using HPLC was compared with whole blood analyzed using the POC system (n = 23): HPLC-plasma 3.46 +/- 2.12 mg/L; POC-whole blood 3.67 +/- 2.29 mg/L. Conclusions: Concentrations of beta-carotene can be measured in blood and plasma from cattle easily and rapidly using a POC assay, and results are comparable to those obtained by the highly sophisticated HPLC method. Immediate feedback regarding beta-carotene deficiency facilitates rapid and appropriate optimization of beta-carotene supplementation in feed.}, language = {en} } @article{GebhardtHirschbergerRauetal.2009, author = {Gebhardt, Constance and Hirschberger, Johannes and Rau, Stefanie and Arndt, Gisela and Krainer, Karen and Schweigert, Florian J. and Brunnberg, Leo and Kaspers, Bernd and Kohn, Barbara}, title = {Use of C-reactive protein to predict outcome in dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis}, issn = {1479-3261}, doi = {10.1111/j.1476-4431.2009.00462.x}, year = {2009}, abstract = {Background There is a high mortality rate in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis. Therefore, an early diagnosis and prognostic assessment is important for optimal therapeutic intervention. The objective of the study was to evaluate if baseline values and changes in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) might predict survival in dogs with SIRS and sepsis. Design Prospective study; July 2004 to July 2005. Setting Small Animal Clinic, Berlin, Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Munich. Animals Sixty-one dogs. Measurements and Main Results For the CRP analysis blood was drawn on day 0, 1, and 2; CRP was measured using a commercial ELISA test kit. Thirteen dogs suffered from nonseptic SIRS and 48 dogs from sepsis. The 14-day survival rate was 61\% (69\% nonseptic SIRS, 58\% sepsis). Serum CRP was higher in sick dogs compared with controls (P < 0.001). Over the 3-day period surviving dogs (n=31) displayed a significantly greater decrease in CRP than nonsurvivors (n=10) (P=0.001). No correlation was found between the initial CRP concentrations and the survival rate. The changes in CRP corresponded to the survival rate (P=0.01). Conclusion There was no significant relationship between the survival rate in dogs with nonseptic SIRS or sepsis and the initial serum CRP concentrations. There was a correlation between decreasing CRP concentrations and recovery from disease. However, the changes in CRP concentrations over a 3-day period correctly predicted survival in 94\% of dogs and death in 30\% of the dogs (false positive rate 22\%).}, language = {en} } @article{NaglLouiRailaetal.2009, author = {Nagl, Britta and Loui, Andrea and Raila, Jens and Felderhoff-Mueser, Ursula and Obladen, Michael and Schweigert, Florian J.}, title = {Urinary vitamin A excretion in very low birth weight infants}, issn = {0931-041X}, doi = {10.1007/s00467-008-0965-0}, year = {2009}, abstract = {Vitamin A (VA) deficiency in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is associated with an increased risk for disorders related to kidney and lung maturation and function. VA losses through increased urinary retinol (ROH) excretion might contribute to this deficiency risk. The mechanism accounting for ROH loss in the urine has not yet been clarified. The aim of this study was to assess the excretion of ROH, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and transthyretin (TTR) in urine from VLBW infants in comparison with that in term infants in relation to kidney function. Urine specimens were collected from 15 VLBW infants (birth weight < 1,500 g) as well as from 20 term infants during the first 2 days after birth. ROH in urine was detectable in 14 of the 15 VLBW infants at a median concentration of 234 nmol/g creatinine. In the group of term infants, 17 of the 20 excreted ROH, but at an approximately five-times lower concentration (P<0.001). Excretion of RBP4 and TTR was also much higher in VLBW infants (both P<0.001). The urinary ROH excretion in VLBW infants may be related to the impaired tubular handling of its carrier proteins RBP4 and TTR. Thus, ROH excretion might contribute to an increased risk of VA deficiency, especially in VLBW infants.}, language = {en} } @article{SchweigertSehouli2005, author = {Schweigert, Florian J. and Sehouli, Jalid}, title = {Transthyretin, a biomarker for nutritional status and ovarian cancer}, issn = {0008-5472}, year = {2005}, language = {en} } @article{HenzeEspeWanneretal.2012, author = {Henze, Andrea and Espe, Katharina M. and Wanner, Christoph and Krane, Vera and Raila, Jens and Hocher, Berthold and Schweigert, Florian J. and Drechsler, Christiane}, title = {Transthyretin predicts cardiovascular outcome in hemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes}, series = {Diabetes care}, volume = {35}, journal = {Diabetes care}, number = {11}, publisher = {American Diabetes Association}, address = {Alexandria}, issn = {0149-5992}, doi = {10.2337/dc12-0455}, pages = {2365 -- 2372}, year = {2012}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE-BMI and albumin are commonly accepted parameters to recognize wasting in dialysis patients and are powerful predictors of morbidity and mortality. However, both parameters reveal limitations and may not cover the entire range of patients with wasting. The visceral protein transthyretin (TTR) may be helpful in overcoming the diagnostic and prognostic gap. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the association of TTR with morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS-The TTR concentration was determined in plasma samples of 1,177 hemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes. Cox regression analyses were used to determine hazard ratios (HRs) for the risk of cardiovascular end points (CVEs) and mortality according to quartiles of TTR concentration for the total study cohort and the subgroups BMI >= 23 kg/m(2), albumin concentration >= 3.8 g/dL, and a combination of both. RESULTS-A low TTR concentration was associated with an increased risk for CVE for the total study cohort (HR 1.65 [95\% CI 1.27-2.14]), patients with BMI >= 23 kg/m(2) (1.70 [1.22-2.37]), albumin >= 3.8 g/dL (1.68 [1.17-2.42]), and the combination of both (1.69 [1.13-2.53]). Additionally, a low TTR concentration predicted mortality for the total study cohort (1.79 [1.43-2.24]) and patients with BMI >= 23 kg/m(2) (1.46 [1.09-1.95]). CONCLUSIONS-The current study demonstrated that TTR is a useful predictor for cardiovascular outcome and mortality in diabetic hemodialysis patients. TTR was particularly useful in patients who were not identified to be at risk by BMI or albumin status.}, language = {en} } @article{SchweigertSteinhagenTruepschuchetal.2000, author = {Schweigert, Florian J. and Steinhagen, Beate and Tr{\"u}pschuch, Annett and Siemann, A. and B{\"u}scher, Ulrich and Dudenhausen, Joachim W.}, title = {Transfer of carotenoids, alfa-tocopherol and retinol from plasma into follicular fluid in women}, year = {2000}, language = {en} } @article{SchmiedchenLongardtBuehreretal.2014, author = {Schmiedchen, Bettina and Longardt, Ann Carolin and Buehrer, Christoph and Raila, Jens and Loui, Andrea and Schweigert, Florian J.}, title = {The relative dose response test based on retinol-binding protein 4 is not suitable to assess vitamin A status in very low birth weight infants}, series = {Neonatology : fetal and neonatal research}, volume = {105}, journal = {Neonatology : fetal and neonatal research}, number = {2}, publisher = {Karger}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1661-7800}, doi = {10.1159/000356773}, pages = {155 -- 160}, year = {2014}, language = {en} } @article{KanaSopGouadoAchuetal.2015, author = {Kana-Sop, Marie Modestine and Gouado, Inocent and Achu, Mercy Bih and Van Camp, John and Zollo, Paul Henri Amvam and Schweigert, Florian J. and Oberleas, Donald and Ekoe, Tetanye}, title = {The Influence of Iron and Zinc Supplementation on the Bioavailability of Provitamin A Carotenoids from Papaya Following Consumption of a Vitamin A-Deficient Diet}, series = {Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology}, volume = {61}, journal = {Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology}, number = {3}, publisher = {Univ. of Tokyo Pr.}, address = {Tokyo}, issn = {0301-4800}, pages = {205 -- 214}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Iron deficiency anemia, zinc and vitamin A deficiencies are serious public health problems in Cameroon, as in many developing countries. Local vegetables which are sources of provitamin A carotenoids (PACs) can be used to improve vitamin A intakes. However, traditional meals are often unable to cover zinc and iron needs. The aim of this study was to determine the bioavailability of 3 PACs (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin) in young men, who were fed with a vitamin A-free diet and received iron and zinc supplementation. Twelve healthy participants were divided into three groups and were supplemented with elemental iron (20 mg of iron fumarate), 20 mg of zinc sulfate or iron + zinc (20 mg of iron in the morning and 20 mg of zinc in the evening) for 11 d. They were given a vitamin A- and PAC-free diet from the 6th to the 11th day, followed by a test meal containing 0.55 kg of freshly peeled papaya as a source of PACs. Blood samples were collected four times successively on the 11th day (the test meal day), at TO (just after the test meal), after 2 h (T2), after 4 h (T4) and after 7 h (T7). Ultracentrifugation was used to isolate serum chylomicrons. Retinol appearance and PAC postprandial concentrations were determined. The supplementation with zinc, iron and iron+zinc influenced the chylomicron appearance of retinol and PACs differently as reflected by retention times and maximum absorption peaks. Iron led to highest retinol levels in the chylomicron. Zinc and iron+zinc supplements were best for optimal intact appearance of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin respectively. Supplementation with iron led to the greatest bioavailability of PACs from papaya and its conversion to retinol.}, language = {en} } @article{SchweigertBaumaneLeoetal.2000, author = {Schweigert, Florian J. and Baumane, Anita and Leo, M. and Wahren, H. and G{\"u}rtler, H.}, title = {The effect of an iron supplementation on plasma levels of the vitamins A, E and C in piglets}, year = {2000}, language = {en} } @article{RailaBuchholzAupperleetal.2000, author = {Raila, Jens and Buchholz, Ingeborg and Aupperle, Heike and Raila, Jens and Schoon, Heinz-Adolf and Schweigert, Florian J.}, title = {The distribution of vitamin A and retinol-binding protein (RBP) in the blood plasma, urine, liver and kidney of carnivores}, year = {2000}, language = {en} }