[Blood proteins during short-term fasting and during supply of essential amino acids]

A most significant decrease of prealbumin and retinol-binding protein was observed in the serum during an absolute alimentary abstinence for five days, whereas the immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM were not influenced. The decrease in the concentration of prealbumin and retinol-binding protein was significantly diminished through a minimum diet of 15 g essential aminoacids and 60 g carbohydrates. Both proteins form a complex in a mole ratio of 1:1. Based on the four to five times higher prealbumin concentration, we recommend this parameter for the routine observation of protein metabolism during weight reduction.