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Improved appetite after multi-micronutrient supplementation for six months in HIV-infected South African children

Siyazi Mda1, Joop M A van Raaij, Una E Macintyre

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Limpopo, Medunsa Campus, Pretoria, South Africa. siyazi.mda@wur.nl

Appetite
|October 10, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Multi-micronutrient supplements significantly improved appetite in hospitalized children with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Six months of daily supplements enhanced food intake compared to placebo, aiding recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Children with HIV often experience appetite loss, impacting growth and recovery.
  • Hospitalized pediatric populations with HIV are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition.
  • Appetite is a critical indicator of health status and treatment response in children with HIV.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of multi-micronutrient supplementation on appetite in HIV-infected children.
  • To determine if nutritional intervention can improve food intake in this vulnerable group.
  • To assess changes in appetite over a six-month period.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted.
  • Participants included HIV-infected children aged 6-24 months with prior hospitalization.
  • Appetite was measured by ad libitum intake of a test food after an overnight fast.

Main Results:

  • The multi-micronutrient supplement group showed a significant increase in food intake per kilogram body weight over six months.
  • The change in intake was significantly greater in the supplement group compared to the placebo group.
  • 99 children completed the study, with appetite data analyzed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months.

Conclusions:

  • Six months of daily multi-micronutrient supplementation appears to significantly enhance appetite in HIV-infected children.
  • Nutritional support may play a crucial role in managing appetite and improving nutritional status in pediatric HIV.
  • Further research can explore long-term effects and optimal supplementation strategies.

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