title: The effect of micronutrient supplementation on disease progression and death in simian immunodeficiency virus-infected juvenile male rhesus macaques.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA. barry.goldin@tufts.edu
authors.forename: Barry R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Goldin
authors.forename: Wenjun
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mansfield
authors.forename: Margo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Woods
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wanke
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.forename: Abby
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shevitz
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gualtieri
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bussell
authors.forename: Sherwood L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Gorbach
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D018977:Micronutrients