Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Establishment of the Dual Humanized TK-NOG Mouse Model for HIV-associated Liver Pathogenesis
Published on: September 11, 2019
Effect of cashew nut flour on hematological parameters of children living with HIV
Andressa Silva Costa1, José de Ribamar Macedo Costa1, Ana Vladia Bandeira Moreira2
1Federal University of Maranhão, Brazil.
Insights
Cashew nut flour supplementation may positively impact hematological parameters in children with HIV-AIDS. This study observed potential increases in leukocytes and certain lipid profiles, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Children living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) often experience altered hematological parameters and lipid profiles.
- Nutritional interventions are crucial for managing health status and improving outcomes in pediatric HIV.
- Cashew nut flour, rich in nutrients, has been explored for its potential health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of cashew nut flour supplementation on hematological parameters in children diagnosed with HIV-AIDS.
- To assess changes in erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet counts, as well as lipid profiles.
- To determine the clinical significance and statistical validity of these effects.
Main Methods:
- A 32-week randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted.
- Participants were children aged 2-12 years living with HIV-AIDS.
- Intervention group received 12g/day cashew nut flour; control group received 12g/day carboxymethyl cellulose.
Main Results:
- Cashew nut flour supplementation did not lead to statistically significant changes in leukocyte or lipid profile biomarkers (p > 0.05).
- A significant increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was noted in the control group (p = 0.018).
- Moderate effect sizes were observed for white blood cell count, LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides in the intervention group compared to the control.
Conclusions:
- Cashew nut flour supplementation may potentially increase leukocyte and lipid profile parameters in children with HIV.
- Further research is needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the mechanisms involved.
- The study highlights the importance of nutritional support in pediatric HIV management.
Abstract:
Aim: To assess the effect of cashew nut flour on the hematological parameters of children living with HIV-AIDS. Method: A 32-week randomized, blind clinical trial conducted at a specialized outpatient clinic. Children aged 2-12 years were allocated to intervention groups (IGs) (n = 11) receiving 12 g/day of cashew nut flour and control groups (CGs) (n = 9) receiving 12 g/day of carboxymethyl cellulose. Parameters of erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, and lipid profiles were evaluated. Results: In the IG, the elevation and reduction of leukocyte and lipid profile biomarkers, respectively, were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). A clinically and statistically significant increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was observed in the CG (p = 0.018), with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.9). There were no statistically significant changes in platelet counts among participants (p = 0.18). The effect size for white blood cell count, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides was moderate in the IG compared to the CG. Conclusion: Cashew nut flour supplementation may increase levels of leukocytes and lipid profile parameters in children living with HIV. Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC): U1111.1276.6591.
