Document 0218
 DOCN  M9590218
 TI    HIV--defensive nutrition.
 DT    9509
 AU    Oliver C; Blackmores Ltd., Balgowlah, NSW.
 SO    Annu Conf Australas Soc HIV Med. 1994 Nov 3-6;6:46 (unnumbered
       abstract). Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ASHM6/95291881
 AB    There is increasing evidence that changes to nutritional status can
       occur in early HIV infection. Attention has been particularly on the
       role of micro-nutrients and body composition. The potential role of free
       radicals in viral replication is focusing attention on the body's
       anti-oxidant system and the nutrients that support this system eg.
       vitamin E, betacarotene, selenium, glutathione. Of further interest is
       that many of the anti-oxidant nutrients have immune-stimulating
       properties in non-HIV models. Weight lost and serum albumin are risk
       factors for morbidity and mortality in HIV infection, independent of CD4
       count. There are indications that declines in markers of body muscle or
       weight can precede major HIV-related infections and are linked to immune
       activation. However even if changes to nutritional status do occur in
       early HIV infection, does it follow that nutritional intervention would
       be most effective at this early stage, or is nutritional status
       ultimately dependent on anti-viral therapy or vaccines? The clinical
       data to support the use of anti-oxidants in HIV infection is negligible
       and it remains likely that prospective studies will only be carried out
       in conjunction with trials of more orthodox forms of anti-viral therapy.
       Consideration will also need to given as to whether treatments currently
       been evaluated in HIV-related weight loss eg. steroids, growth hormone,
       TNF inhibitors, would be better utilised before or at the earliest signs
       of muscle catabolism, rather than been reserved for use when significant
       weight or muscle loss has occurred.
 DE    Antioxidants/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE  Body Composition  CD4 Lymphocyte
       Count  Human  HIV/DRUG EFFECTS  HIV Infections/*DIET THERAPY/IMMUNOLOGY
       *Nutrition Assessment  Nutritional Requirements  Virus Replication/DRUG
       EFFECTS  Weight Loss/PHYSIOLOGY  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).