The effects of a specialized superoxide dismutase nutritional supplement for HIV patients on HAART

Reference: Rahman H, Rocco R, Latorre J, Tabassum V. cc. 2004, poster.

Abstract: Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to assess the efficacy of a specialized GliSODin® nutritional supplement containing a comprehensive mix of micro and macronutrients in a multivitamin/mineral blend, on common side effects of HIV-1 infection and HAART treatment, including diminished quality of life, decreased immune function, and high oxidative stress. Patients and Methods : Twenty-three HIV-1 infected subjects on HAART were to take the specially formulated nutritional supplement (25g) twice daily. Compliance with the nutritional supplement, defined as no more than 2 missed doses of the supplement per 1-week period, was evaluated weekly by study staff. Patients were followed up to 24 weeks to measure changes in quality of life (QOL) and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), metabolic parameters and CD4 cell counts. Results: There was a statistically significant increase (p<0.0001) in the number of subjects reporting a KPS of 90 following 24 weeks of treatment (Baseline: - 6/23, 26.1%; 24 weeks: -19/21, 90.5%). Statistically significant improvements in most QOL parameters were detected. Overall there were no statistically significant differences observed in clinical laboratory values from baseline to the 24-week follow-up. However, when stratified by compliance clinically important trends were demonstrated with improvements of Lactic acid levels, CD4 counts and Hematocrit levels. Conclusion: Improvements in KPS, QOL and clinically important trends in laboratory assessments of metabolic and immunologic function indicate this GliSODin® rich nutritional supplement may be beneficial in patients with HIV-1 infection on HAART. A larger study may be warranted to confirm the trends observed in this pilot study.