Retinol-binding protein and prealbumin in cord blood of term and preterm infants.

Retinol-binding protein (RBP) and prealbumin (PA) are potentially useful indicators of inadequate protein and/or energy intake. Concentrations of RBP and PA were determined in cord blood of 117 infants and were found to be lower before 37 weeks gestation than at term. Adult subjects had substantially higher concentrations of RBP and PA than found in cord blood.