Description
Zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) is a metabolite formed in erythrocytes during hemoglobin synthesis.
In the case of iron deficiency, zinc is incorporated into the protoporphyrin complex during erythropoiesis, as a substitute. As a result, zinc-protoporphyrin is produced instead of hemoglobin. Consequently, the zinc protoporphyrin concentration in the erythrocytes is elevated.