Background Suboptimal vitamin D status is prevalent in HIV-infected patients and associated with increased risk of disease severity and morbidity. We aimed to determine 12-mo safety and efficacy of daily 7000IU vitamin D3 (vitD3) vs placebo to sustain increased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and improve immune status in HIV-infected subjects. Methods This was a double-blind trial of perinatally- (PHIV) or behaviorally-acquired (BHIV) HIV-infected subjects (5.0–24.9y). Safety, 25(OH)D-related parameters, and immune status were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results Fifty-eight subjects enrolled (67% male, 85% African-American, 64% BHIV) and 50 completed with no safety concerns. In unadjusted analyses, there were no differences between randomization groups at baseline; at 3, 6, and 12 months, 25(OH)D was higher with supplementation than baseline and higher than with placebo (P<0.05). In adjusted mixed models, in the supplementation group, the fixed effect of 25(OH)D was higher (P<0.001). Percentage of naïve T helper cells (Th naïve%) were significantly (P<0.01) and T helper cells (CD4%) marginally (P<0.10) increased with supplementation in those taking highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and RNA viral load was reduced (P ≤ 0.05). In exploratory linear models, change in 25(OH)D predicted RNA viral load at 3 and 12 months and CD4% at 3 months (P<0.05). Conclusions Daily 7000IU vitD3 for 12 months was safe in HIV-infected subjects and effective in increasing 25(OH)D. Supplementation improved in some clinically important HIV immune markers in subjects on HAART. Adjunct therapy with high-dose, daily vitD3 for HIV-infected subjects and for those on/off HAART requires further investigation.

ObjectivesSince vitamin D insufficiency is common worldwide in people with HIV, we explored safety and efficacy of high dose cholecalciferol (D₃) in Botswana, and evaluated potential modifiers of serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D change (Δ25D).DesignProspective randomized double-blind 12-week pilot trial of subjects ages 5.0–50.9 years.MethodsSixty subjects randomized within five age groups to either 4000 or 7000IU per day of D₃ and evaluated for vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, HIV, safety and growth status. Efficacy was defined as serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25D) ≥32ng/mL, and safety as no simultaneous elevation of serum calcium and 25D. Also assessed were HIV plasma viral RNA viral load (VL), CD4%, anti-retroviral therapy (ART) regime, and height-adjusted (HAZ), weight-adjusted (WAZ) and Body Mass Index (BMIZ) Z scores.ResultsSubjects were 50% male, age (mean±SD) 19.5±11.8 years, CD4% 31.8±10.4, with baseline VL log₁₀ range of <1.4 to 3.8 and VL detectable (>1.4) in 22%. From baseline to 12 weeks, 25D increased from 36±9ng/ml to 56±18ng/ml (p<0.0001) and 68% and 90% had 25D ≥32ng/ml, respectively (p = 0.02). Δ25D was similar by dose. No subjects had simultaneously increased serum calcium and 25D. WAZ and BMIZ improved by 12 weeks (p<0.04). HAZ and CD4% increased and VL decreased in the 7000IU/d group (p<0.04). Younger (5–13y) and older (30–50y) subjects had greater Δ25D than those 14–29y (26±17 and 28±12 vs. 11±11ng/ml, respectively, p≤0.001). Δ25D was higher with efavirenz or nevirapine compared to protease inhibitor based treatment (22±12, 27±17, vs. 13±10, respectively, p≤0.03).ConclusionsIn a pilot study in Botswana, 12-week high dose D₃ supplementation was safe and improved vitamin D, growth and HIV status; age and ART regimen were significant effect modifiers.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02189902

Objective. To describe the dietary intake of HIV-infected urban children and young adults and to evaluate their diet quality. Methods. Participants were children and youth with both perinatally and behaviorally acquired HIV infection participating in a study of vitamin D supplementation. Data collected included dietary intake, anthropometrics, and HIV status, with medical history abstracted from participants' medical records. Results. Of 55 participants, 38 were male, 46 were African American, with a mean age of 20.7 ± 3.8 years. Growth and nutritional status were comparable to reference norms. Only 22% either met or exceeded their estimated energy requirement at low-active and 40% at sedentary activity levels. Fiber, potassium, and intakes of vitamins D and E were <50% of recommended dietary allowance/adequate intake (RDA/AI), whereas vitamins A and K, choline, potassium, calcium, and magnesium were ≤75% of RDA/AI. Sodium intake exceeded the dietary reference intake upper limit in 92%. Vitamin D intake was significantly and positively associated with CD4% HIV status indicator. Conclusion. Dietary intake was inadequate for multiple micronutrients, particularly vitamin D, calcium, and potassium. Overall poor dietary quality was observed (in terms of intake of sodium, sugar, saturated fat, cholesterol, and fiber). Participants had high rates of overweight and obesity. These dietary and body weight concerns were similar to those seen in healthy American peers. The vitamin D intake and immunological status correlation deserves further investigation. HIVinfected individuals may benefit from routine dietary assessment and counseling.