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Features of whey protein concentrate supplementation in children with rapidly progressive HIV infection

Y F Moreno1, V C Sgarbieri, M N da Silva

  • 1Center for Investigation in Pediatrics (CIPED), Pediatrics Department, and Food and Nutrition Department, Food Engineering School, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|July 15, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Whey protein concentrate supplementation significantly increased erythrocyte glutathione levels in children with rapidly progressive AIDS. This intervention may also reduce co-infections in pediatric HIV patients.

Area of Science:

  • Nutrition Science
  • Immunology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • HIV infection is linked to reduced glutathione (GSH) levels.
  • Oral whey protein supplementation has previously increased GSH in HIV-infected adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of whey protein concentrate supplementation on glutathione levels and immune markers in vertically HIV-infected children.
  • To assess the impact of whey protein on co-infections in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial over 4 months.
  • 18 vertically HIV-infected children received whey protein, maltodextrin (placebo), or no supplementation.
  • Evaluated erythrocyte glutathione, T lymphocyte counts (CD4+, CD8+), and co-infections.

Main Results:

  • Significant median increase in erythrocyte glutathione levels (16.14 mg/dl, p = 0.018) in the whey protein group.
  • Non-significant increase in the TCD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratio.
  • Observed a lower occurrence of associated co-infections in the supplemented group.

Conclusions:

  • Whey protein concentrate supplementation can stimulate glutathione synthesis in HIV-infected children.
  • This supplementation may potentially decrease the incidence of co-infections in pediatric AIDS.
  • Highlights the role of nutritional interventions in managing pediatric HIV.

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