Effectiveness of the Therapeutic Lifestyle Change Diet Intervention to Improve Biochemical Markers of Cardiovascular Diseases in HIV-Infected Patients with Dyslipidemia.

INTRODUCTION: This randomized controlled trial study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) diet intervention by the registered dietitians. METHODS: Eighty-two people living with HIV (PLHIV) with dyslipidemia were randomly allocated to the intervention group as well as another 82 PLHIV with dyslipidemia to the control group. Participants in the intervention group were instructed to meet the registered dietitians every 2 weeks at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, and 12 (a totally of 12 weeks) to receive individual medical nutrition therapy according to the TLC diet principles, while the participants in the control group only received routine health care service. RESULTS: Triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group at the endpoint (p < 0.05). In addition, these biomarkers and C-reactive protein of the intervention group were significantly lower when compared with their baseline (p < 0.05). The overall dietary habits of participants in the intervention group were significantly improved at the end of the study (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The medical nutrition therapy intervention based on the TLC diet is effective in improving blood lipid profiles among PLHIV with dyslipidemia.

Effectiveness of Medical Nutrition Therapy to Improve Dietary Habits for Promoting Bone Health in People Living with Chronic HIV.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have established the risk of bone loss among people living with HIV affected by antiretroviral therapy drug side effects and inadequate nutrient intake. Until recently, there have been limits on using the medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to improve dietary habits for promoting bone health among people living with HIV. This was a randomized controlled trial study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of MNT in improving the bone health in people living with HIV by promoting dietary habits. METHODS: PLHIV at Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital were randomly grouped (by quota sampling) into the MNT group (intervention group) and the control group. One hundred and thirty PLHIV were recruited to participate in this study by convenient sampling. Sixty-five participants of the MNT group made a total of 6 appointments (for 12 weeks) to meet registered dietitians for receiving MNT to improve dietary habits for improving bone health, while 65 participants in the control group received only routine care at the hospital service center. RESULTS: In general, participants in the MNT group had significant increase in the amounts of calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and phosphorus intakes and length of exercise after the final week compared with before intervention. Also, they had significantly higher amount of nutrient intakes (calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and phosphorus) and length of exercise than the control group after finishing the final week of the experiment. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, MNT is effective for improving food habits and physical activity to promote bone health among people living with HIV.

Association between Alcohol Consumption and Body Mass Index in University Students.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between alcohol consumption and body mass index in university students in Eastern Thailand. Methods: Undergraduate students (19-23 years, n = 396) were randomly surveyed via questionnaires, which included general information, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy food consumption. Average daily alcohol consumption was then calculated from grams of ethanol consumed per day. A subject, who has body mass index (BMI) more than 23 kg/m2, was defined as excessive weight. Difference between genders of each variable was compared using independent t-test. Mean of each variable between groups was compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The correlation between average daily alcohol consumption and BMI, unhealthy consumption and BMI were analyzed by applying Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: 229 university students consumed alcohol (58%). After 229 subjects were divided into three categories, the average daily alcohol consumption of the overweight group was significantly higher than the underweight and normal weight groups in women; meanwhile, unhealthy food consumption frequencies was not different between groups. Average daily alcohol consumption levels for overweight group were 74.17 and 73.45 g/day in men and women, respectively. Furthermore, higher daily alcohol consumption was independently associated with higher BMI (95% confidence interval [CI] R = 0.161: p = 0.015; men R = 0.120: p = 0.236; women R = 0.214: p = 0.015). Conclusion: There was a positive relationship between alcohol consumption and BMI in university students in Eastern Thailand. This study supports that the daily alcohol consumption is a risk factor for excessive weight and gender may contribute to the correlation.