Evaluation of high-protein supplementation in weight-stable HIV-positive subjects with a history of weight loss: a randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

HIV patients with wasting are at increased risk of opportunistic complications and fatality.

OBJECTIVE:

We hypothesized that augmenting dietary intake with high-biologic-value protein would enhance weight and lean tissue in weight-stable subjects with a prior unintentional weight loss of >3%.

DESIGN:

Fifty-nine subjects with HIV RNA concentrations <5000 copies/mL were randomly assigned to receive a 280-kcal supplement containing 40 g whey protein or a matched isocaloric control supplement without added protein twice daily for 12 wk.

RESULTS:

Before the study, intake of total energy and protein exceeded estimated requirements (44.3 +/- 12.6 kcal x kg(-1) x d(-1) and 1.69 +/- 0.55 g x kg(-1) x d(-1), respectively). Both supplements failed to increase total energy intake because of decreases in self-selected food intake. Changes in weight (0.8 +/- 2.4 and 0.7 +/- 2.4 kg) and lean body mass (0.3 +/- 1.4 and 0.3 +/- 1.5 kg) did not differ significantly between the whey protein and control groups, respectively. Waist-to-hip ratio improved more with whey protein (-0.02 +/- 0.05) than with the control (0.01 +/- 0.03; P = 0.025) at week 6 but not at week 12. Fasting triacylglycerol increased by 39 +/- 98 mg/dL with the control supplement and decreased by 16 +/- 62 mg/dL with whey protein at week 12 (P = 0.03). CD4 lymphocytes increased by 31 +/- 84 cells/mm(3) with whey protein and decreased by 5 +/- 124 cells/mm(3) with the control supplement at 12 wk (P = 0.03). Gastrointestinal symptoms occurred more often with whey protein.

CONCLUSIONS:

A whey protein supplement did not increase weight or lean body mass in HIV-positive subjects who were eating adequately, but it did increase CD4 cell counts. The control supplement with rapidly assimilable carbohydrate substituted for protein increased cardiovascular disease risk factors. Careful dietary and weight history should be obtained before starting nutritional supplements in subjects with stable weight loss and good viral control.

• Authors: Fred R Sattler, Natasa Rajicic, Kathleen Mulligan, Kevin E Yarasheski, Susan L Koletar, Andrew Zolopa, Beverly Alston Smith, Robert Zackin, Bruce Bistrian, ACTG 392 Study Team
• Journal: The American journal of clinical nutrition (Am J Clin Nutr) Vol. 88 Issue 5 Pg. 1313-21 (Nov 2008) ISSN: 1938-3207 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18996868 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural)

Chemical References

• Dietary Proteins
• Milk Proteins
• Whey Proteins

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Body Composition (drug effects)
• CD4 Lymphocyte Count
• Dietary Proteins (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Dietary Supplements
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Double-Blind Method
• Energy Intake (drug effects, physiology)
• Female
• HIV Infections (immunology, metabolism)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Milk Proteins (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Muscle, Skeletal (drug effects, metabolism)
• Nutritional Requirements
• Treatment Outcome
• Viral Load
• Weight Gain (drug effects, physiology)
• Weight Loss
• Whey Proteins