Low levels of linoleic acid in plasma total lipids of HIV-1 seropositive children.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the plasma fatty acid status of a group of well-nourished children with the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) and how this relates to the blood total CD4+ lymphocyte count. SUBJECTS: Fourteen HIV-1 seropositive children at various stages of disease and with adequate growth indices were assessed and compared to a control group of 30 healthy children. RESULTS: The concentrations (mg/dL) of plasma total fatty acids were not different between the two groups. HIV-1 seropositive children presented lower levels of 18-C essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA: linoleic acid, LA, and alpha-linolenic acid) and higher levels of their 20-C long-chain derivatives (di-homo-gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, AA, and eicosapentaenoic acid) and docosahexaenoic acid in their plasma total lipids. The lowest plasma LA levels were observed in the subgroup of patients with more advanced stages of disease. In bivariate analyses the plasma LA levels related positively (Spearman r = 0.50, p = 0.06), while the LA/AA ratio related negatively (Spearman r = -0.51, p = 0.06), to the total CD4+ count. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood HIV-1 infection is associated with changes in plasma fatty acid profile suggestive of an increased PUFA turnover. Decreased levels of LA (together with higher plasma AA levels) appear to be associated with more advanced clinical and biochemical stages of disease.

Influence of a mineral water on the rheological characteristics of reconstituted infant formulas and diluted cows' milk.

A bottled spring water with a low mineral content was compared with tap water in the reconstitution and/or dilution of five different infant formulas and cows' milk. The osmolality, buffering power and renal solute load potential of the formulas reconstituted with the bottled water were all significantly lower than when tap water was used (P < 0.01). When the bottled water was used to dilute cows' milk, the morphology of milk casein precipitates (after addition of rennet) was finer and more dispersed than when tap water was used. For formula reconstitution and milk dilution, a benefit, in terms of solute/electrolyte balance, appears to be conferred on infants by the improved rheological characteristics of modified milks reconstituted or diluted with this bottled mineral water.