A Trial of Vitamins and HAART in HIV Disease Progression

Trial of Vitamins in HIV Progression and Transmission (A Trial of Vitamins and HAART in HIV Disease Progression)

This study is a double-blind randomized clinical trial, conducted to examine the effects of multivitamins (including B, C, and E) on HIV disease progression among HIV-positive Tanzanian adult men and women taking highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART).

Access to Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) for the treatment of HIV in developing regions is limited, but gradually becoming standard of care in some countries. Multivitamin supplements have demonstrated immune-enhancing effects among individuals in pre-HAART HIV disease stages. However, the efficacy and safety of micronutrient supplements need to be documented in the context of HAART. This study is a double-blind randomized clinical trial, conducted to examine the effect of multivitamins (including B, C, and E) on HIV disease progression among individuals taking HAART. Participants are HIV-positive Tanzanian men and women aged 18 years and older, who are initiating HAART at the time of randomization. Eligible individuals are randomized to receive daily oral supplements in one of two intervention groups: a) multivitamins at the single Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) level; and b) multivitamins at multiples of the RDA at the same doses used in our previous study "A Trial of Vitamins in HIV Progression and Transmission".

One daily oral dose of 20 mg B1, 20 mg B2, 25 mg B6, 100 mg niacin, 50 μg B12, 0.8 mg folic acid, 500 mg C, and 30 mg vitamin E taken taken from randomization until the end of follow-up (24-28 months).

One daily oral dose of 1.2 mg vitamin B1, 1.2 mg vitamin B2, 1.3 mg vitamin B6, 15 mg niacin, 2.4 μg vitamin B12, 0.4 mg folic acid, 80 mg vitamin C, and 15 mg vitamin E taken taken from randomization until the end of follow-up (24-28 months).

Changes in: (a) CD4 cell count, (b) plasma HIV-1 RNA concentration, (c) weight, and (d) alteration to second-line anti-retroviral treatment; and occurrence of (a) adverse events, specifically peripheral neuropathy

Inclusion Criteria: HIV-positive Men or Women 18 Years of Age or older Initiating HAART at time of randomization Exclusion Criteria: Pregnant or Lactating Women Individuals at pre-HAART disease stages BMI less than 16

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