Glomerular filtration rate predicts arterial events in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether renal function predicts the development of cardiovascular disease and other arterial vascular events in patients with SLE. METHOD: An inception cohort of 437 females was studied. Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using serum creatinine and the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study Group formula. Arterial events including myocardial infarction, angina, transient ischaemic attacks, cerebral vascular accidents and other arterial events were documented at up to 15 years since the first visit. Disease activity was determined using SLEDAI. Patients were classified into those with or without arterial events and further into events that occurred within or after 3 years since the first visit (events <3 years, events ≥3 years). The association between eGFR and risks of arterial events was investigated using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: There was a total of 58 arterial events of which 51.9% were events ≥ 3 years. Patients with arterial events had a significantly lower baseline eGFR and were significantly older than those without arterial events. Furthermore, baseline eGFR was significantly lower in events <3 years compared with events ≥ 3 years. Baseline eGFR, age and baseline SLEDAI were significantly associated with the risks of arterial events [eGFR: hazard ratio (HR) = 0.986; age: HR = 1.032; SLEDAI: HR = 1.041]. CONCLUSION: Lower baseline eGFR, older age and higher SLEDAI score were significantly associated with increasing odds of developing arterial events at an earlier stage of SLE.

Hepatic fatty acid composition differs between chronic hepatitis C patients with and without steatosis.

Hepatic fatty acid (FA) composition may influence steatosis development in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). In a cross-sectional study, we compared the hepatic FA profile in hepatitis C patients with (n = 9) and without (n = 33) steatosis (> or =5% of hepatocytes involved). FA composition of hepatic and RBC total lipids was measured by gas chromatography. Lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in liver and plasma, blood biochemistry, and nutritional status were also assessed. Patients with steatosis had more fibrosis, higher necroinflammatory activity of their hepatitis C infection, were more often infected with genotype 3, and had lower serum cholesterol. Monounsaturated FA in the liver were higher and trans FA were lower in patients with steatosis. Lower stearic acid and higher oleic acid in hepatic total lipids suggested higher Delta9-desaturase activity. alpha-Linolenic acid in the liver was higher and the ratios of long-chain PUFA:essential FA precursors were lower for (n-3) and (n-6) PUFA. Plasma vitamin C was lower in steatosis, but RBC FA composition and other parameters did not differ. We conclude that hepatic FA composition is altered in patients with hepatitis C and steatosis, probably due to modulation of enzymatic elongation and desaturation. Oxidative stress or nutritional status does not seem to play a predominant role for development of steatosis in CHC.

Effect of multivitamin and mineral supplementation on episodes of infection in nursing home residents: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of vitamin and mineral supplementation on infections in an elderly institutionalized population. DESIGN: Eighteen-month, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Twenty-one long-term care facilities. PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred sixty-three subjects from 21 long-term care facilities. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized to receive one multivitamin and mineral supplementation daily or placebo. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was number of infections per subject. Secondary outcomes were antibiotic use and hospitalization rates. Infection control surveillance was conducted over 18 months using standardized criteria. RESULTS: Outcome data from 748 subjects, mean age 85, were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Using univariate analyses, there was no difference in infectious episodes between the supplemented and placebo groups (3.5 infections per 1,000 resident-days vs 3.8 infections per 1,000 resident-days, odds ratio (OR)=0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.82-1.03, P=.12). There was a reduction in antibiotic usage in the supplementation group, but this was not significant in the multivariate model. There was no difference in the number of hospital visits. In the multivariate analysis, the effect of multivitamin use on total number of infections was not significant (OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.54-1.1). Subjects without dementia had a greater rate of infections than those with dementia (OR=1.44, 95% CI=1.19-1.76). In post hoc subgroup analysis, subjects without dementia who received supplementation had a significantly lower rate of infections than those who received placebo (relative risk=0.81, 95% CI=0.66-0.99). CONCLUSION: Overall, multivitamin and mineral supplementation does not have a significant effect on the incidence of infections in institutionalized seniors, although the subgroup of residents in long-term care without dementia may benefit from supplementation. Further research is needed to determine its effect in high-risk subgroups within the nursing home population.

Dietary intake of elderly living in Toronto long-term care facilities: comparison to the dietary reference intake.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the dietary intake of elderly living in 11 long-term care facilities (LTCFs) to the Estimated Average Requirement set as part of the Dietary Reference Intake for older adults. DESIGN: A cross-sectional assessment of dietary intake using a 3 days food record among 407 elderly with mean age of 85.2 +/- 7.7 years and BMI of 23.8 +/- 5.7 kg/m(2). This population sample was similar to the one living in LTCFs in the province of Ontario. RESULTS: The daily energy intake was 1513 +/- 363 kcal (6330.4 +/- 1518.8 kJ). Percentage of energy from fat, saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, protein, and carbohydrate were 30%, 11%, 5.2%, 15%, and 56%, respectively. Although these values were close to the recommendations, 29.5% had protein intake below the recommended 0.8 g/kg; and 38.3% of subjects had cholesterol intake more than the recommended 300 mg/d. More than 50% of the subjects had suboptimal intake of calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamins E, B(6), and folate. In addition, greater than 15% had suboptimal intakes of other micronutrients such as vitamins A, C, niacin, and copper. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly subjects living in LTCFs in Toronto despite having a normal body mass index (BMI), do not meet the recommended levels of intake for protein and many of the micronutrients. LTCFs staff should monitor dietary intake. Menu modification and micronutrient supplementation may be required in order to meet the daily requirements of these elderly.

Adequacy of nutritional intake in a Canadian population of patients with Crohn's disease.

Crohn's disease is frequently associated with nutritional deficiencies, often a result of disease activity and poor oral intake. This study investigated the adequacy of dietary intake, based on the Canadian Dietary Reference Intake, in ambulatory patients with Crohn's disease and a normal body mass index (BMI; calculated as kg/m(2)). This was a cross-sectional study of 74 patients with mean age of 35.7+/-1.4 years and BMI of 23.05+/-0.45. All patients completed a 7-day food record and a diary for the Crohn's Disease Activity Index. Mean Crohn's Disease Activity Index was 138.99+/-11.38. Energy and protein intakes were within the recommended levels of intake, but total carbohydrates, fat, and saturated fat intake exceeded the recommended levels of <55%, <35%, and <10% in 39.2%, 27%, and 59.5% of the patients, respectively. Micronutrient intakes were suboptimal most notably for folate, vitamins C, E, and calcium. There were no substantial differences between patients with active and inactive disease in terms of failure to meet the Dietary Reference Intake. In conclusion, in this population sample, a large number of ambulatory patients with Crohn's disease have suboptimal dietary patterns despite a normal BMI and inactive disease. Dietary counseling and supplementation may be warranted in this patient population.

Estimation of body fat mass using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, bioelectric impedance analysis, and anthropometry in HIV-positive male subjects receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this pilot study was to compare estimates of percentage body fat mass (FM) by bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) and skinfold measurements (SF) with estimates obtained from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in 47 HIV-infected male subjects receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). As different patterns of abdominal fat accumulation might affect the body FM estimation, correlation and agreement of these methods were also compared in patients with waist to hip ratio (WHR) < or =0.9 and >0.9. METHODS: Body FM was estimated by BIA and by measuring skinfold thickness at biceps, triceps, and subscapular area, and was compared with DEXA as the reference method using paired t-test. RESULTS: Estimates by SF were significantly higher and by BIA were significantly lower compared with DEXA for all subjects. This relationship persisted only in those with WHR >0.9. Both BIA and SF correlated significantly with DEXA, but they did not agree. However, both techniques showed a small intermethod bias, and the precision was within the acceptable range. This relationship persisted in those with WHR >0.9. In comparison with measurement by BIA, SF showed poorer agreement (larger bias and error). CONCLUSION: For population studies and perhaps to monitor changes over time for intervention studies, the bias for both BIA and SF methods is relatively small and errors and precisions are within the acceptable range when compared with DEXA, and thus all 3 techniques can be used for routine monitoring of total body FM in male subjects with HIV infection.

Nutrition risk factors for survival in the elderly living in Canadian long-term care facilities.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the role of nutritional parameters in influencing the risk of mortality in institutionalized elderly. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study in which subjects had several nutritional parameters measured at baseline and were followed for 19 months. Time to death and mortality were recorded starting immediately after enrollment. SETTING: Fourteen long-term care facilities (LTCFs). PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred eight elderly long-term care residents aged 60 and older who resided in the facility for more than 6 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: At baseline, knee height, weight, mid-arm circumference (MAC), skin-fold thickness, and fat-free mass using bioelectric impedance analysis were measured. Covariates included demographic factors, length of stay in the facility, functional status, and medical diagnoses. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of mortality. Results are reported as mean+/-standard error of the mean (SEM). RESULTS: Overall, mortality rate was 28.4%. Univariate predictors included male sex, body mass index, MAC, and triceps skin fold. In multivariate analysis, male sex (hazard ratio (HR)=1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.2-2.7, P=.0096) and MAC less than 26 cm were significantly associated with increased risk of mortality (HR=4.8, 95% CI: 2.8-8.3, P<.0001). CONCLUSION: Among this elderly population living in LTCFs, MAC is the best nutritional predictor of mortality.

Prevalence and risk factors for liver biochemical abnormalities in Canadian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of abnormal liver enzymes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and whether further investigations were done, and the differences in SLE-related and/or metabolic factors in patients with and without liver biochemical abnormalities. METHOD: Patients from the University of Toronto Lupus Clinic who met at least 4 of the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for SLE and had 1.5 times the upper limit for aspartate transaminase or alanine transaminase on 2 consecutive visits within a 2-year period were matched with controls for age, sex, and SLE duration. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were extracted at the time of the first appearance of liver enzyme abnormality for the cases and at the reference point for the controls. RESULTS: From the 1533 patients reviewed, 134 (8.7%) met the inclusion criteria. Thirty of these patients were evaluated by a hepatologist, 75 had imaging studies (41 were done specifically for liver investigation), and 13 had liver biopsies. Results based on these investigations showed 31 fatty livers, 35 cases of drug-induced hepatotoxicity, 10 autoimmune etiologies, and 3 cases of viral hepatitis. Compared to controls, cases were higher in body mass index, anti-dsDNA antibody, prevalence of hypertension, antiphospholipid syndrome, and use of immunosuppressive medication, especially azathioprine and methotrexate; they were lower in IgM. CONCLUSION: Metabolic abnormalities such as obesity and hypertension and hepatotoxic effects of medication used to treat SLE may contribute more than SLE-related factors to liver biochemical abnormalities in patients with SLE.

Ten-year absolute fracture risk and hip bone strength in Canadian women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: Women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at risk of osteoporosis (OP) and fractures because of SLE or its treatments. We aimed to determine in women with SLE (1) the prevalence of low bone mass (LBM) in those < 50 years of age and OP in those > 50 years of age; (2) the 10-year absolute fracture risk in those > 40 years of age using the Canadian Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX); (3) bone quality using hip structural analysis (HSA); and (4) the associations between HSA and age, SLE duration, and corticosteroid exposure. METHODS: Women without prior OP fractures were eligible. Bone mineral densities at the hip, spine, and femoral neck were determined using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. OP was determined using World Health Organization definitions for participants aged ≥ 50 years (32.8%), and LBM was defined as Z-scores ≤ -2.0 for those aged < 50 years. For those aged ≥ 40 years (63.5%), the 10-year probabilities of a major fracture (FRAX-Major) and hip fracture (FRAX-Hip) were calculated. FRAX-Major ≥ 20% or Hip ≥ 3% was considered high risk. HSA was done in a subgroup (n = 81) of patients. RESULTS: The study group was 271 women. Mean (SD) age was 43.8 (13.1) years and SLE duration was 11.6 (10.4) years. OP was diagnosed in 14.6% and LBM in 8.8%. FRAX-Major ≥ 20% was seen in 9 patients (5.3%), of whom 6 were taking OP medications. FRAX-Hip ≥ 3% occurred in 16 patients (9.4%), of whom 9 were taking OP medications. Buckling ratio at the left hip narrow neck was positively correlated with FRAX-Major, FRAX-Hip, SLE duration, and duration of corticosteroid use. CONCLUSION: LBM is prevalent in women with SLE who are < 50 years of age. FRAX may identify those at higher risk of fractures while HSA can assess bone structure noninvasively.

Thrombovascular events affect quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with and without previous thrombovascular events (TE). METHODS: The Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 (SF-36) was used to assess HRQOL in 5 patient groups: (1) primary APS (PAPS; n = 35); (2) APS associated to SLE (SAPS; n = 37); (3) SLE+TE without persistent positive antiphospholipid antibody (SLE+TE-aPL; n = 75); (4) SLE-TE+aPL (n = 71); and (5) SLE-TE-aPL (n = 608). RESULTS: The data on both mental component summary and physical component summary (PCS) scores showed an impaired quality of life in all patient groups. Patients in the SLE+TE-aPL group had a lower PCS score compared to patients in the SLE-TE+aPL group. CONCLUSION: The combination of SLE and TE has a more negative influence on reported HRQOL, compared to having SLE or APS alone.

Alterations in circulating fatty acid composition in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Circulating fatty acids (FAs) may play a role in the disease pathogenesis of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). OBJECTIVES: To compare red blood cell (RBC) and plasma FA composition: (1) between female SLE patients and age-matched healthy female (HF) controls and in SLE with history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and those with no history (SLE+CVD vs SLE-CVD); and (2) between SLE patients who were or were not receiving prednisone treatment at the time of blood sampling. METHODS: This cross-sectional study consisted of 33 female patients with SLE (11 SLE+CVD, 22 SLE-CVD) and 20 HF controls. Demographics, CVD risk, medication profile, blood biochemistry, and FA composition of RBC and plasma total lipids were determined. RESULTS: Waist circumference and body mass index were higher in SLE patients than in HF controls. These variables along with serum triglycerides, blood glucose, and systolic blood pressure were higher in SLE+CVD than SLE-CVD patients. RBC FA composition showed lower eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, ω-3 active metabolite) and ω-3 index (EPA+ docosahexaenoic acid) in SLE patients compared with HF controls. The ratio of the RBC inflammatory metabolite, arachidonic acid, to the anti-inflammatory metabolite EPA was also significantly higher in SLE patients than in HF controls. No differences were seen in plasma FA between SLE and HF groups. However, SLE-CVD patients had a more favorable lipid profile than SLE+CVD patients. In SLE patients, the use of prednisone resulted in alteration of both RBC and plasma FA composition. CONCLUSION: SLE patients, regardless of their history of CVD, have altered plasma and RBC FA composition favoring inflammation. The use of prednisone was associated with differences in FA profile.

Healthcare cost and loss of productivity in a Canadian population of patients with and without lupus nephritis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the healthcare cost and loss of productivity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with (LN) and without lupus nephritis (lupus nephritis-negative, LNN). METHOD: Patients were classified into those with active (ALN and ALNN) and inactive disease (ILN and ILNN). Patients reported on visits to healthcare professionals and use of diagnostic tests, medications, assistive devices, alternative treatments, hospital emergency visits, surgical procedures, and hospitalizations as well as loss of productivity in the 4 weeks preceding enrollment. RESULTS: Enrollment was 141 patients, 79 with LN and 62 LNN. Patients with LN were more likely to visit rheumatologists and nephrologists, undergo diagnostic tests, and had higher costs for medications than patients who were LNN. The annual healthcare cost averaged $CAN 12,597 ± 9946 for patients with LN and $10,585 ± 13,149 for patients who were LNN, a difference of $2012 (95% CI -$2075, $6100). Patients with ALN had more diagnostic tests and surgical procedures, contributing to a significantly higher annual direct cost ($14,224 ± 10,265) compared to patients with ILN ($9142 ± 8419) and a difference of $5082 (95% CI $591, $9573). The healthcare cost was not different between patients with ALNN and patients with ILNN. In patients with LN and patients who were LNN, < 50% were employed and on average missed 6.5-9 days of work per month. The loss of productivity was significantly higher for caregivers of patients with LN than caregivers of patients who were LNN. CONCLUSION: Healthcare cost and loss of productivity were similar between patients with LN and patients who were LNN; the loss of productivity for caregivers is higher for patients with LN; and the healthcare cost is greater in ALN than in ILN.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in HIV infection associated with altered hepatic fatty acid composition.

Hepatic fatty acid (FA) composition, especially a reduction in n-3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) may contribute to the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is common in HIV-infection.. In a cross-sectional study we compared hepatic FA composition between 20 HIV-infected men with NAFLD (HIV/NAFLD), 21 HIV-negative men with NAFLD (NAFLD), and 7 healthy controls. Within HIV/NAFLD we compared simple steatosis (HIV/SS) to steatohepatitis (HIV/NASH). FA composition in liver and erythrocytes, oxidative stress, diet, and exercise were assessed. Major findings (P<0.05) were: 1) higher hepatic n-6/n-3 ratio in HIV/NAFLD [median (range)] [8.08 (1.08-21.52)] compared to controls [5.83 (3.58-6.93)] and NAFLD [5.97 (1.46-10.40)], with higher n-6 PUFA in HIV/NAFLD compared to NAFLD; 2) lower n-3 PUFA in erythrocytes (mol%), a marker for dietary intake, in HIV/NAFLD [5.26 (1.04-11.75)] compared to controls [8.92 (4.79-12.67)]; 3) the ratios of long-chain PUFA products to essential FA precursors of the n-6 and n-3 series were lower in HIV/NAFLD and NAFLD compared to controls. In contrast, the ratio of oleic/stearic acid was higher in HIV/NAFLD compared to the other groups. These ratios are indirect markers of enzymatic FA desaturation and elongation. Hepatic PUFA, especially biologically active long-chain PUFA, were also lower in HIV/NASH compared to HIV/SS. Oxidative stress was not different among the groups. We conclude that HIV/NAFLD is associated with altered hepatic FA composition. Changes may be due to impaired FA metabolism or suboptimal n-3 PUFA intake. The potential role of n-3 PUFA (e.g. fish oil) to treat or prevent HIV/NAFLD warrants further investigation.

In patients with HIV-infection, chromium supplementation improves insulin resistance and other metabolic abnormalities: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.

Chromium is an essential micronutrient; chromium deficiency has been reported to cause insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. The aim was to investigate the effect of chromium supplementation on insulin-resistance, other metabolic abnormalities, and body composition in people living with HIV. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fifty-two HIV-positive subjects with elevated glucose, lipids, or evidence of body fat redistribution, and who had insulin-resistance based on the calculation of homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA-IR > or = 2.5) were assessed. Subjects who were on insulin or hypoglycemic medications were excluded. Subjects were randomized to receive either 400 microg/day chromium-nicotinate or placebo for 16 weeks. Forty-six subjects, 23 in each group, completed the study. Fasting blood insulin, glucose, lipid profile and body composition were measured before and after intervention. Chromium was tolerated without side effects and resulted in a significant decrease in HOMA-IR (median (IQR) (pre:4.09 (3.02-8.79); post: 3.66 (2.40-5.46), p=0.004), insulin (pre: 102 (85-226); post: 99 (59-131) pmol/L, p=0.003), triglycerides, total body fat mass (mean+/-SEM) (pre: 17.3+/-1.7; post: 16.3+/-1.7 kg; p=0.002) and trunk fat mass (pre: 23.8+/-1.9; post: 22.7+/-2.0 %; p=0.008). Blood glucose, C-peptide, total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c remained unchanged. Biochemical parameters did not change in the placebo group except for LDL cholesterol which increased significantly. Body weight and medication profile remained stable throughout the study for both groups. In summary, chromium improved insulin resistance, metabolic abnormalities, and body composition in HIV+ patients. This suggests that chromium supplements alleviate some of the antiretroviral-associated metabolic abnormalities.

Serum albumin as a marker for disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether serum albumin reflects disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with and without nephritis (LN, LNN), and whether serum albumin could be a surrogate marker of SLE disease activity overall. There is currently no clinical "gold standard" in the assessment of disease activity in SLE. METHODS: Patients with >or= 3 clinic visits within a maximum followup period of 10 years were selected from the University of Toronto Lupus Clinic database. Subjects were divided into 3 groups: LN-B, those with nephritis defined by histological findings on renal biopsies; LN-L, those with nephritis defined by laboratory abnormalities in the absence of biopsy; and LNN, those without nephritis. In a subanalysis, the renal groups were further stratified by proteinuria status. The associations of SLE-Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2K) with serum albumin and dsDNA were examined using the mixed model regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1078 patients were studied: 89.1% female, 71.5% white, mean age 33.6 (SD 12.6) years, and with median baseline SLEDAI-2K of 8. Serum albumin was more significantly associated with SLEDAI in LN-B and LN-L. The association was also present but weaker in the LNN group. In all LN, the associations between serum albumin and SLEDAI-2K were stronger in those with proteinuria. CONCLUSION: In patients with SLE, higher SLEDAI was associated with lower serum albumin levels.

The use of micronutrient supplements is not associated with better quality of life and disease activity in Canadian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: Associations between the use of micronutrient supplements (MS) and disease activity, quality of life (QOL), and healthcare resource utilization were studied in a Canadian population of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: QOL was assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form. Healthcare resource utilization and disease activity/damage were determined. RESULTS: Of the 259 subjects studied, 53% were MS users and 34% used only calcium/vitamin D. MS users had a higher Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics score and utilized more healthcare resources. Disease activity and QOL were similar between MS users and nonusers. CONCLUSION: MS are frequently used by patients with SLE and are not associated with concomitant benefit on QOL. MS users utilized more healthcare resources.

A survey on the usage of supplements in canadian patients living with HIV.

To assess the usage, knowledge and attitudes of Patients Living with HIV with respect to supplements. A questionnaire was mailed to people living with HIV via HIV/AIDS organizations in Ontario and distributed to those attending the HIV-clinic of the University Health Network. The survey was completed by 312 subjects (95 female, 207 male). Self-rated health status was considered fair/good in 77.5% and excellent in 15.4% of participants. Vitamin/mineral supplement was used by 75.6%. Main reasons to take supplements were to: prolong life (56.1%); treat HIV-related conditions (19.9%); increase energy level (42.6%) and to boost immunity (36.5%). Among participants, 54.2% were somewhat familiar with supplements, 44.7% trusted the information on the labels and 28.2% felt that if a supplement is available for sale, it is safe. Supplements were mostly purchased at pharmacies (45.5%) and health food stores (30.1%). Only 25.9% and 27.9% of participants discussed their use of supplements with their HIV or family doctor respectively. Supplements are frequently used by people living with HIV without consulting their doctors. Current research has not shown a clear benefit from micronutrient supplementation and with the possible potential drug interactions, people living with HIV will need nutrition education regarding supplement usage and should report their use to their physicians.

Dietary intake and physical activity in a Canadian population sample of male patients with HIV infection and metabolic abnormalities.

Objective was to assess dietary intake and physical activity in a Canadian population sample of male patients with HIV and metabolic abnormalities and to compare the data to Canadian recommendations. Sixty-five HIV-infected men with at least one feature associated with the metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, central obesity, or lipodystrophy) were enrolled. Results from 7-day food records and activity logs were compared to the Dietary Reference Intakes and recommendations of Canada's Physical Activity Guide, respectively. Anthropometric data were also measured. Fifty-two percent of the subjects were overweight, another 15% were obese. However, energy intake (mean+/-SEM) (2153+/-99 kcal/d) was lower than the estimated requirement (2854+/-62 kcal/d; p<0.0001), and 84.5% of the patients reached the recommended minimum of 60 min of mild or 30 min of moderate daily exercise. Intake was adequate for protein, but high for fat and cholesterol in 40% of patients. No patient reached the recommendation for fiber. Intake from diet alone was suboptimal for most micronutrients. Prevalence was highest for low vitamin E (91% of patients) and magnesium (68%) intake, and high sodium intake (72%). In summary, a large proportion of HIV patients with metabolic abnormalities were overweight or obese. However, this was not associated with high energy intake, or reduced physical activity. High fat, low fiber and inadequate micronutrient intakes were prevalent.

Nutritional assessment and hepatic fatty acid composition in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Low hepatic n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) may contribute to steatosis and steatohepatitis and can be affected by diet and oxidative stress. METHODS: Seventy-three patients referred for elevated liver enzymes and suspected NAFLD were assessed. Nutritional assessment, hepatic FA composition and oxidative stress were compared between these groups: simple steatosis (SS, n=18), steatohepatitis (NASH, n=38) and minimal findings on liver biopsy (MF, n=17). RESULTS: Patients with NASH had higher: BMI, central obesity, body fat, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and lower physical activity compared to the other groups. They also had relatively lower hepatic n-3 and n-6 PUFA, a decrease in the ratio of metabolites to essential FA precursors for both n-6 and n-3 FA (eicosapentaenoic+docosahexaenoic/linolenic and arachidonic/linoleic acid ratios) and higher liver lipid peroxides with lower antioxidant power, when compared to MF. Overall, there was no significant difference between SS and NASH in FA composition. Self-reported dietary intake and red blood cell FA composition were similar among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: NASH patients have more metabolic abnormalities. This is associated with higher oxidative stress and lower n-3 and n-6 PUFA in the liver in the absence of any differences in dietary FA composition.

HIV-positive patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease have a lower body mass index and are more physically active than HIV-negative patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the clinical and metabolic features associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are similar between HIV-positive and HIV-negative male subjects. METHODS: Twenty-six HIV-positive and 25 HIV-negative subjects with liver biopsy-proven NAFLD were compared for liver histology (extent of steatosis, steatosis grading, and fibrosis staging), blood biochemistry (glucose, insulin, C-peptide, hemoglobin A1c, and lipid profile), insulin resistance (IR) using a homeostasis model assessment, anthropometry (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference, and arm muscle area), dietary intake, and physical activity. RESULTS: The 2 groups were similar for age, liver histology, and IR. HIV-positive patients had a lower BMI (26.3 +/- 0.5 vs. 30.2 +/- 1.0 kg/m; P = 0.001) and lower percentage of fat mass (19.4 +/- 0.9 vs. 22.7 +/- 1.2; P = 0.026) when compared with HIV-negative patients. Although caloric intake was similar between groups, HIV-positive patients had a higher physical activity level (8.3 +/- 1.6 vs. 4.1 +/- 0.8 units of exercise per day; P = 0.029). Blood triglycerides were significantly higher (3.14 +/- 0.39 vs. 1.86 +/- 0.20 mmol/L; P = 0.006) in HIV-positive patients. CONCLUSION: Although NAFLD was similar between the 2 groups, HIV-positive patients had a lower BMI and were more physically active compared with HIV-negative patients. This may suggest that in HIV, NAFLD is associated with factors other than those related to body fatness, such as HIV infection and treatment.