 gradual
loss of weight and an increased breakdown of proteins leading to wasting
of muscles are distinguishing characteristics of AIDS. A new study reveals
that a combination of dietary counseling and nutritional supplements can reduce
protein breakdown and increase muscle mass in HIV-infected patients.
In fact, supplement use "may
support (the) beneficial health effects of currently available
antiretroviral therapies," report Dr. Ulrich Keller at the
University Hospital Basel in Switzerland. They published their findings in
the January issue of the European Journal of Clinical Investigation.
In their study, the Swiss team gave 15
HIV-infected patients in stable clinical condition either nutritional
supplements to take by mouth plus dietary counseling, or no supplements
and no specific counseling. Supplements were fortified with proteins,
carbohydrates, fats, electrolytes and vitamins and minerals. Dietary
counseling was tailored to suit the needs and symptoms of individual
patients, and featured information on balanced nutrition and how to change
the diet to deal with problems such as diarrhea, nausea and weight loss.
The investigators
observed a significant decrease in protein breakdown processes
signifying muscle breakdown among supplemented/counseled patients, while
untreated patients showed no change. Patients receiving supplements also
experienced an increase in lean body mass, accompanied by a decrease in
fat mass, the authors report.
According to Keller and colleagues, the
findings suggest that nutritional supplementation plus dietary counseling
may help prevent the breakdown of muscle in HIV-infected patients. The
researchers concluded that it may benefit AIDS patients to add this
therapy to antiretroviral drug therapy.
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