Vitamin A and beta-carotene concentrations in adults with HIV/AIDS on highly active antiretroviral therapy.
Micronutrient deficiency is a common condition in HIV-infected individuals and may occur in all stages of the disease. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to compare the concentrations of vitamin A and beta-carotene, micronutrients related to immunity and oxidative stress, in 182 adults with HIV/AIDS, under different highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to their HAART regimen: combination of nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and non-NRTIs; combination of NRTIs, protease inhibitors, and ritonavir; combination of NRTIs and other classes. Multiple linear regression analysis determined the effect of the treatment regimen, time of use, and compliance with the regimen, on vitamin A and beta-carotene concentrations, controlling for the following variables: gender, age, educational level, smoking, physical activity, body mass index, time of infection with HIV, presence of comorbidities, CD4(+) T lymphocyte count, total cholesterol and fractions, and triglyceride levels. There was no significant difference in vitamin A or beta-carotene concentrations in patients under the different HAART regimens. However, approximately 4% of the patients had deficient/low concentrations of vitamin A (<0.70 μmol/L), and 98% showed concentrations of beta-carotene <1.0 μmol/L. In conclusion, HIV/AIDS patients in this region will not benefit from vitamin A supplementation, independently of the HAART regimen utilized, but beta-carotene may be of importance, considering its antioxidant effect.
Department of Nutrition, Public Health School, University of São Paulo.
Daniella Junko
DJ
Kaio
Patricia Helen Carvalho
PH
Rondó
José Maria Pacheco
JM
Souza
Aline Vale
AV
Firmino
Liania Alves
LA
Luzia
Aluisio Augusto
AA
Segurado
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000379:methods*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood*; D055815:Young Adult; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000097:blood*
D008055:Lipids; D019207:beta Carotene; D014801:Vitamin A