Daily consumption of ready-to-use peanut-based therapeutic food increased fat free mass, improved anemic status but has no impact on the zinc status of people living with HIV/AIDS: a randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the effect of RUTF supplementation, including iron, on anemia and nutritional status in hospitalized PLWH in Senegal.
Results Summary
The study found that RUTF supplementation improved anemia but did not fully meet the iron DRI (2.9 mg vs. recommended intake). Iron intake remained insufficient despite supplementation.
Population
Hospitalized people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) in Senegal, many with severe malnutrition and anemia.
Effective Dosage
100 g RUTF/day (iron content not specified beyond DRI coverage).
Duration
9 weeks (continued at home after hospitalization).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
standard hospital diet supplemented with 100 g RUTF/day | increase | body weight | hospitalized PLWH in Senegal | +11% | increased significantly | #1 |
standard hospital diet supplemented with 100 g RUTF/day | increase | fat-free mass | hospitalized PLWH in Senegal | +11.8% | increased significantly | #2 |
standard hospital diet supplemented with 100 g RUTF/day | no change | percentage body fat | hospitalized PLWH in Senegal | - | was comparable | #3 |
standard hospital diet supplemented with 100 g RUTF/day | increase | fat free mass | patients on ART | +11.7% | gain is higher | #4 |
standard hospital diet supplemented with 100 g RUTF/day | increase | fat free mass | patients without ART | +6.2% | gain is higher | #5 |
standard hospital diet supplemented with 100 g RUTF/day | decrease | anemia | hospitalized PLWH in Senegal | - | decreased significantly | #6 |
standard hospital diet supplemented with 100 g RUTF/day | no change | zinc status | hospitalized PLWH in Senegal | - | remained unchanged | #7 |
BACKGROUND: Food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa and malnutrition constitute the main obstacles for successful treatment of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of consuming daily 100 g RUTF (ready-to-use therapeutic food) as supplement, on body composition, anemia and zinc status of hospitalized PLWH in Senegal. METHODS: A Controlled clinical trial was conducted in 65 PLWH randomly allocated to receive either standard hospital diet alone (Control group: n = 33), or the standard diet supplemented with 100 g RUTF/day (RUTF group: n = 32). Supplementation was continued at home during 9 weeks. Individual dietary intakes were measured and compared to the Recommended Dietary Allowances. Body composition was determined using Bio-Impedance Analysis. Hemoglobin was measured by HemoCue and plasma zinc (PZ) concentration by atomic absorption spectrometry. PZ was adjusted to infection (CRP and α1-AGP). All measures were conducted on admission, discharge and after 9 weeks home-based follow up. RESULTS: 34 and 24% of the patients in RUTF and Control groups were suffering from severe malnutrition (BMI < 16 kg/m(2)), respectively. In both groups, more than 90% were anemic and zinc deficiency affected over 50% of the patients. Food consumed by the Control group represented 75, 14 and 55% of their daily recommended intake (DRI) of energy, iron and zinc, respectively. When 100 g of RUTF was consumed with the standard diet, the DRI of energy and zinc were 100% covered (2147 kcal, 10.4 mg, respectively), but not iron (2.9 mg). After 9 weeks of supplementation, body weight, and fat-free mass increased significantly by +11% (p = 0.033), and +11.8% (p = 0.033) in the RUTF group, but not in the Control group, while percentage body fat was comparable between groups (p = 0.888). In the RUTF group, fat free mass gain is higher in the patients on ART (+11.7%, n = 14; p = 0.0001) than in those without ART (+6.2%, n = 6; p = 0.032). Anemia decreased significantly with the supplementation, but zinc status, measured using plasma zinc concentration, remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Improving PLWH' diet with 100 g RUTF for a long period has a positive impact on muscle mass and anemia but not on the zinc status of the patients. TRIAL NUMBER: NCT02433743, registered 29 April 2015.