HIV-1 infection in women is associated with severe nutritional deficiencies.
Nutritional deficiencies may contribute to immune dysregulation, and have been shown to be sensitive markers of HIV-1 disease progression. Only limited information exists, however, regarding the nutritional profile of HIV-1-seropositive drug abusers. Immune and nutritional measurements were obtained in a subsample of 125 subjects from a larger cohort of drug users being followed for HIV-1 infection and cofactors of disease progression. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly vitamins A, E, and zinc, were widespread with up to 86% of the drug users exhibiting at least one nutritional alteration. Although immune parameters (CD4 count, CD8 count, beta2-microglobulin) were similar in the HIV-1-infected men and women, women had significantly poorer overall nutritional status, as measured by plasma proteins, which are considered to be sensitive markers of malnutrition. A comparison of individuals with advanced disease (CD4 count <200/mm3) revealed significantly lower levels of plasma prealbumin (p < .01), selenium, (p < .05), and greater deficiency of vitamins A (p < .01) and E (p < .05) in women than in men. The greater severity of nutritional deficiencies noted in HIV-1-infected women may be an important determinant of disease progression and survival.
Baum
M K
MK
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida 33136, USA.
Shor-Posner
G
G
Zhang
G
G
Lai
H
H
Quesada
J A
JA
Campa
A
A
Jose-Burbano
M
M
Fletcher
M A
MA
Sauberlich
H
H
Page
J B
JB
D000328:Adult; D004435:Eating; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009752:Nutritional Status / Q000276:immunology; D012737:Sex Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology; D014815:Vitamins / Q000097:blood; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood
D014815:Vitamins; D015032:Zinc