Article on micronutrients

[lydgate]

Micronutrient Supplementation Increases CD4 Count in HIV-Infected Individuals on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Posted 09/14/2006

Jon D. Kaiser, MD; Adriana M. Campa, PhD; Joseph P. Ondercin, PA-C; Gifford S. Leoung, MD; Richard F. Pless, PhD; Marianna K. Baum, PhD 

Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Objective: To examine the immunologic, metabolic, and clinical effects of broad spectrum micronutrient supplementation in HIV-infected patients taking highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
Design: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.
Methods: Forty HIV-infected patients taking a stavudine and/or didanosine-based HAART regimen were prospectively randomized to receive micronutrients or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. Data were collected at 4-week intervals including immunologic, metabolic, and clinical measurements. The study examined the effect of micronutrient supplementation on immunologic parameters as the primary end point. The secondary end points were metabolic and clinical effects and distal symmetrical polyneuropathy.
Results: The mean absolute CD4 count increased by an average of 65 cells in the micronutrient group versus a 6-cell decline in the placebo group at 12 weeks (P = 0.029). The absolute CD4 count increased by an average of 24% in the micronutrient group versus a 0% change in the placebo group (P = 0.01). The mean HIV-1 RNA decreased in the micronutrient supplementation group, although not significantly. Neuropathy scores improved in the micronutrient group by 42% compared with a 33% improvement in the placebo arm. This difference did not reach statistical significance. Fasting serum glucose, insulin, and lipids were not adversely affected in the patients taking the micronutrients.
Conclusions: Micronutrient supplementation can significantly improve CD4 cell count reconstitution in HIV-infected patients taking HAART. The micronutrient supplement tested was well tolerated and may hold promise as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of HIV. Further investigation is warranted.

[Ann]

Conclusions: Micronutrient supplementation can significantly improve CD4 cell count reconstitution in HIV-infected patients taking HAART. The micronutrient supplement tested was well tolerated and may hold promise as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of HIV. Further investigation is warranted.

It really wicks me off that these types of studies always seem to be "in patients taking HAART". Why do they never do studies on people NOT yet on HAART? I'd like to see some conclusions as to whether or not nutrition has any bearing on being able to maintain without HAART. I'm not discounting the importance of studies for people who are already on the meds, but what about the rest of us already?

Just ranting.

Ann

[J.R.E.]

Lydgate,

Thanks for that article. here is the direct lnk to that article, for those interested :

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/543573


Sorry : you will have to register to read the article ....It's through Medscape...


Ray

[alisenjafi]

Hey that's why I recommended bee pollen- chock full o' the stuff!