Secretion pattern of retinol-binding protein in blood of goats: effect of vitamin A, provitamin A and their dosing schedule.

Studies were conducted on the secretion of retinol-binding protein (RBP) in blood of goats given different treatments of preformed vitamin A, beta-carotene and plant carotenoids. Administration of these sources either in a single massive dose or massive dose split into four equal doses, markedly increased the secretion of RBP in blood. The secretion of RBP in blood occurred at least in two phases, one at early periods and the other at later periods.