New Study: Dietary Supplement Use of HIV-Positive People

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NEWS FROM CAMBRIDGE HEALTH ALLIANCE

January 17, 2008

Dietary Supplement Use of HIV-Positive People Explored in New Study Led by Cambridge Health Alliance Researcher

Research Alert

Study Title: Nonvitamin, Nonmineral Dietary Supplementation in HIV-Positive People

Study Summary: The authors described current nonvitamin, nonmineral (NVNM) supplement use by HIV-infected people, examined the financial burden that buying these supplements might pose to this population, and reviewed the current literature on potential interactions between NVNM supplements.

Background: Dietary supplement use is a booming industry; it is estimated that over $17 billion a year is spent on the products. The use of dietary supplements is reportedly higher in individuals who have chronic diseases. Of HIV-infected people in a national sample, approximately 15% used herbal medicine. NVNM supplements include herbs or other botanicals, such as echinacea and ginkgo biloba.

Methods: The authors collected data from the Nutrition for Healthy Living Study, an investigation of the nutrition and metabolic consequences of HIV infection. Participants, from the Boston and Rhode Island areas, had documented HIV infection and were 18 years or older. They came for semiannual visits, where medical, nutrition, dietary intake, body composition, and quality-of-life data were collected. Participants were also educated by a registered dietitian on keeping a complete three-day food record.

Results: Of the 368 people surveyed, twenty-four percent of men and eight percent of women used NVNM supplements. In total, 72 consumed NVNM supplements, taking an average of six (in the form of a pill, powder, bar, or liquid). The most common were glutamine (51%), N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) (36%), and fish oil (33%).

Conclusions: NVNM supplement use is common in individuals living with HIV infection. With a total of 107 different types of NVNM supplements, the authors estimated a weekly supplement cost of between $25 and $40. Taking an NVNM supplement may involve some risk because many components have not been studied and the products are not tightly regulated. Knowing what supplements the HIV-infected population is taking will enable further research to be directed at these specific compounds and their interaction with HIV medications and the disease process.

Authors: Mara Sansevero, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, a dietitian at Cambridge Health Alliance; Robert Houser (Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University); Grace Phelan (Tufts New England Medical Center); Christine Wanke (Tufts University School of Medicine); Alice Tang (Tufts University School of Medicine); and Kristy Hendricks (Tufts University School of Medicine).

Journal: Nutrition in Clinical Practice, December 2007, Vol. 22, No. 6 — http://ncp.aspenjournals.org

Cambridge Health Alliance is an innovative, award-winning health system that provides high quality care in Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston’s metro-north communities. It includes three hospital campuses, more than 20 primary care and specialty practices, the Cambridge Public Health Dept., and the Network Health plan. CHA is a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate and is also affiliated with Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and Tufts University School of Medicine. Visit us online at www.cambridgehealthalliance.org.