The effect of micronutrient supplementation on disease progression and death in simian immunodeficiency virus-infected juvenile male rhesus macaques.
BACKGROUND
We investigated the impact that micronutrient supplementation has on the progression of simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (SAIDS).


METHODS
Twenty-four simian immunodeficiency virus-infected juvenile male rhesus macaques were randomized into 2 groups. One group was given certified chow, and the other group was given chow and a supplement that contained 2-3 times the estimated nutritional requirement of micronutrients. Virological, immunological, and body composition measurements were taken every 4 weeks for 120 weeks.


RESULTS
There was no difference between groups in weight gain, body mass index (BMI), crown-heel length, waist circumference, total tissue mass, lean mass, bone mineral content, or bone mineral density. The rhesus macaques on the supplemented diet had a higher death rate (hazard ratio, 2.39; P<.001) than those on the nonsupplemented diet; death in both groups was associated with a higher viral load set point during the early phase of infection. Additionally, higher body weight, BMI, crown-rump length, and lower viral load set point were protective from death in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Micronutrient supplementation did not significantly alter the progression of SAIDS with respect to changes in body composition and immunological characteristics. A significantly higher rate of death was observed in rhesus macaques on the supplemented diet.
Goldin
Barry R
BR
Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA. barry.goldin@tufts.edu
Li
Wenjun
W
Mansfield
Keith
K
Woods
Margo
M
Wanke
Christine
C
Freeman
Lisa
L
Shevitz
Abby
A
Gualtieri
Lisa
L
Bussell
Sarah
S
Gorbach
Sherwood L
SL
D000818:Animals; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D015519:Bone Density; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D016097:Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D016019:Survival Analysis
D018977:Micronutrients