A locally produced nutritional supplement in community based HIV and AIDS patients

Abstract

This study examined the potential effect of a nutritional supplement on the anthropometric profiles (body measurements such as body mass index [BMI], fat percentage and waist-hip ratio) of HIV-positive/AIDS patients and the correlation between anthropometric profile, CD4+T cell count and viral load. At baseline, of the 35 patients recruited into the study, 32 (94.1%) showed a fat percentage below normal range. Twenty-four of the patients (68.6%) had a BMI within normal range, while a greater percentage of the patients had a normal waist-hip ratio. Of the 28 patients that completed the study, 26 (96.3%) reported a fat percentage of below 18.5%. The results showed that 19 (67.9%) of the 28 patients had a BMI within the normal range after nutrient intervention. There was a significant positive correlation between the BMI and fat percentage. At the end of the study the CD4+T cell count showed no correlation with any of the anthropometric indices while the viral load showed a significant negative correlation with the lean body mass and BMI. The short duration of the study probably limited the positive trend of the supplement.

Perceptions of the use of complementary therapy and Siddha medicine among rural patients with HIV/AIDS: a case study from India

“…This risk is not remote, considering the fact that there is a paucity of studies on the efficacy and safety of this form of alternative medicine. Although in theory it is possible that certain herbs and minerals may boost the immune system, exert antimicrobial activity, relieve symptoms and provide other significant benefits to HIV patients, certain compounds have a high potential for adverse events (Deivanayagam et al, 2001;Mills et al, 2005;Oguntibeju et al, 2007;Saper et al, 2008).…”

“…A growing literature illustrates that the use of dietary supplements and other forms of complementary and alternative medications (CAM) is common among HIV-infected persons in developed countries (Bagchi et al, 1999;Oguntibeju et al, 2007;Milan et al, 2008).…”

Knowledge, Beliefs, and Health Care Practices Relating to Treatment of HIV in Vellore, India

“…While in theory it is possible that certain herbs and minerals may boost the immune system, exert antimicrobial activity, relieve symptoms and provide other significant benefits to HIV patients, certain compounds have a high potential for adverse events. 9,[16][17][18][19][20]22,29,34,[46][47][48][49] Patients with HIV are at a particularly high risk for direct toxicity from heavy metals that can cause renal or bone marrow toxicity, steroids that cause further immunosuppression, and substances that might produce drug-drug interactions (e.g., lower ART levels). Some herbs and vitamins have also been found to alter ART levels and may put patients at risk of treatment failure, viral resistance, or drug toxicity.…”

Characteristics and impacts of nutritional programmes to address undernutrition of adults living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review of evidence

“…Three cohort studies scored six out of nine which is 100% as the same two parameters were not applicable, and the presence of control groups was not clear. [37][38][39] Two retrospective studies scored eight out of nine (89%) as there was no control group. 40 41 Another retrospective cohort study scored six out of nine, with no control group and two parameters not applicable-a final score of 86%.…”

“…33 34 One study used an extract of hypoxis, grapefruit seed extract, sitosterol and sitosterolin, betacarotene, vitamin E, vitamin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, nicotinamide, vitamin C, olive green leaf extract, folic acid and natural antioxidant (biocydin) as the nutritional supplement. 39 Although nutritional assessment was an element of nutritional programmes in all studies included in this review, the provision of nutritional counselling was stated only in two studies 31 40 The nutritional programmes were provided in health facilities such as hospitals and clinics in 12 studies, 24 25 29-32 34-36 40-42 in community-based settings in four studies, 31 37 38 and no setting was specified in one study. 39 Impact of the nutritional programme on weight-related nutritional outcomes (nutritional outcomes hereafter) In reporting improvements in the nutritional outcome of people living with HIV, studies used various outcome measures.…”