A food based intervention for drug-na{\"ıve HIV+ women living in Turbo, Kenya.

Abstract

To determine the contribution of a food intervention to nutrient intakes. Methods During 2008–2010, 225 drug naïve HIV+ (WHO Stage 1 or 2; CD4 >250), 19–45 yrs, clients at the USAID-Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) clinic at Turbo enrolled in a randomized trial of beef vs soy vs wheat biscuit supplements. Height and weight were obtained with standardized procedures. Dietary patterns were summarized from food questionnaires. Nutrient intakes were determined with customized computer soft ware. The adequacies of nutrient intakes were determined with the probability approach and estimated average requirement (EAR). Results At baseline, the women mean (±SD) age, body mass index and CD4 were 36.4(7.5) yrs, 22.3(3.6) and 492(191) cells/μL, respectively. Inadequate intakes of 100% occurred for iron, zinc and vit. A. Biscuits were well tolerated and those with beef provided vit. A, selenium, zinc, and vit. B12 at 22%, 24%, 37% and 50% of EAR respectively; soy biscuit provided selenium > EAR. Conclusions The beef biscuit provided drug naïve HIV+ Kenyan women micronutrients, whose deficiencies are linked to HIV disease progression. Improved nutrition status and slowed disease progression are expected outcomes from this feeding trial which is near completion. Supported in part by USAID Grant No. PCE-G- 00-98-00036-00, 1R01HD57646-01A1 (CFDA #93.865) and Heifer Project International.