Specific nutrient abnormalities in asymptomatic HIV-1 infection.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether specific nutrient abnormalities occur in earlier stages of HIV-1 infection, thereby preceding the marked wasting and malnutrition that accompany later stages of the infection.

DESIGN: A longitudinal investigation to determine biological, psychological and social factors thought to influence the progression and outcome of HIV-1 infection. Nutritional status was assessed using biochemical measurement of nutrient levels, dietary history, anthropometry and clinical examination for the signs and symptoms of nutritional deficiency or excess.

SETTING: The study was performed on an outpatient basis at the University of Miami School of Medicine.

PARTICIPANTS: One hundred homosexual men, aged between 20 and 55 years, who were asymptomatic other than persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (Centers for Disease Control stage III) and 42 age-matched homosexual men demonstrated to be free of HIV-1 infection at two 6-month intervals.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Biochemical measurement of nutrient status, dietary history, anthropometry, clinical signs or symptoms of nutritional excess or deficiency were obtained for all participants.

RESULTS: Despite few differences in mean blood levels of specific nutrients, prevalence of specific nutrient abnormalities was widespread among HIV-1-infected subjects, compared with non-infected male homosexual controls. Overtly and marginally low blood levels of vitamins A (18%), E (27%), riboflavin (26%), B6 (53%), and B12 (23%), together with copper (74%) and zinc (50%) were documented in HIV-1-seropositive subjects. With the exception of riboflavin, zinc, and copper, a similar prevalence of abnormalities among HIV-1-seronegative controls was not observed.

CONCLUSION: Specific nutrient abnormalities occur with relative frequency in asymptomatic HIV-1 infection and may contribute to the rate and form of HIV-1 disease progression.