Metabolic Profile of HIV-Infected Women in Mangaung; Free State

Objective: To determine the biochemical nutritional status of HIV-infected women in Mangaung. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: The community of Mangaung; Free State; South Africa. Subjects: A representative group of 500 black women (25-44 years) was selected randomly to participate. Outcome measures: Biochemical analyses were performed for total lymphocytes; serum protein; serum albumin; plasma fibrinogen; serum insulin; serum glucose; serum triglycerides and serum cholesterol using standard methodology. Values were compared to standard references; and between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women. Results: After screening for eligibility; 488 women qualified. Sixty-one per cent of the younger women (25-34 years) and 38of the older women (35-44 years) were HIV-infected. HIV-infected women had significantly lower median blood values for total lymphocytes (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.02 for younger and older group respectively) and serum albumin (p = 0.0001 for both age groups); but significantly higher median concentrations of serum protein (p = 0.0001 for both age groups) than uninfected women. Plasma fibrinogen and serum insulin concentrations were significantly lower in HIV-infected younger women than in their uninfected counterparts (p = 0.002 for both parameters). Older HIV-infected women had significantly lower total serum cholesterol values (p = 0.01) than older HIV-uninfected women. Serum glucose and serum triglycerides did not differ significantly between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women. Conclusions: The results indicate a possible impact of HIV infection on serum protein and serum albumin; which may adversely affect biochemical nutritional status and the course of HIV progression. Future research into the causes and possible treatment of metabolic changes in women in this community should be prioritised

An analysis of dietary micronutrient intakes in two age groups of black South African women / Un análisis de las ingestas de micronutrientes dietéticos en dos grupos etáreos de mujeres negras de Sudáfrica

OBJECTIVE: To assess micronutrient intake of black women living in Mangaung, South Africa. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A sample of 500 pre-menopausal black South African women (496 qualified to participate) from two age groups (25-34 and 35-44 years) were selected randomly in Mangaung, the black residential area of Bloemfontein. A validated Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (QFFQ) was used to determine dietary intake of participants. Data were categorized into the two age groups. Median micronutrient intakes were compared to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and Adequate Intake (AI). The prevalence of women with intakes < 67% of the RDA was calculated. RESULTS: Median calcium and vitamin D intakes were lower than the AI. Of all women, 46.2% to 62.2% consumed < 67% of the RDA for total iron, selenium, folate and vitamin C, and more than 94% consumed < 67% of the RDA for selenium. At least 25% of all women consumed < 67% of the RDA for vitamin A and E. The vitamin B6 intake of older women was inadequate and a fairly large percentage of the total sample consumed < 67% of the RDA. CONCLUSION: Generally, micronutrient intakes were adequate in this population. Attention should be given to those micronutrients where median intakes were < 67% of the RDA and those that were not at or above the respective AI in these groups of women.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la ingesta de micronutrientes en mujeres negras de Mangaung, Sudáfrica. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: Una muestra de 500 mujeres surafricanas negras premenopáusicas (496 clasificaron para participar) de dos grupos etarios (25-34 y 35-44 años) se seleccionó aleatoriamente en Mangaung, el área residencial negra de Bloemfontein. Un cuestionario cuantitativo de frecuencia alimenticia (CCFA) validado, fue usado para determinar la ingesta dietética de las participantes. Los datos fueron clasificados en dos grupos etarios. Se comparó la mediana de las ingestas de micronutrientes con la ración dietética recomendada (RDR), y la ingesta adecuada (IA). Se calculó la prevalencia de mujeres con ingestas < 67% de la RDR. RESULTADOS: La mediana de la ingesta de vitamina D y calcio estuvo por debajo de la IA. De todas las mujeres, 46.2% a 62.2% consumieron < 67% de la RDR para el total de hierro, selenio, folato y vitamina C, y más del 94% consumieron < 67% de la RDR para el selenio. Por lo menos 25% de todas las mujeres consumieron < 67% de la RDR para la vitamina A y E. El consumo de vitamina B6 de las mujeres de mayor edad fue inadecuado y un porcentaje bastante grande de la muestra total consumió < 67% de la RDR. CONCLUSIÓN: Generalmente, las ingestas de micronutrientes eran adecuadas en esta población. Debe prestarse la atención a los micronutrientes cuyas ingestas medianas fueron < 67% de la RDR y aquellos que no correspondieron o estuvieron por encima del IA respectivo en estos grupos de mujeres.

Micronutrient Intake of HIV-Infected Women in Mangaung; Free State

Background. Poor nutritional status in HIV/AIDS patients can affect immune function profoundly; leading to faster disease progression and earlier death.Objective. To determine the micronutrient intake of HIV-infected women in Mangaung.Design and setting. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in Mangaung; Bloemfontein; Free State.Subjects and methods. A representative group of 500 pre-menopausal women (25 - 44 years) was randomlyselected to participate in the study. Micronutrient intake was determined using a Quantitative Food FrequencyQuestionnaire (QFFQ). Median micronutrient intakes were compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowance(RDA) or Adequate Intake (AI) values. The prevalence of women with intakes 67of the RDA or AI was calculated. Median micronutrient intakes were compared between HIV-infected and uninfected women using non-parametric 95confidence intervals (CIs) and the Mann-Whitney test.Results. Sixty-one per cent of women in the younger age group (25 - 34 years) and 38of older women (35 - 44 years) were HIV-infected. Between 46.6and 70.7of all women consumed 67of the RDA or AI for calcium;total iron; selenium; folate and vitamin C. At least 25of HIV-infected women did not meet either the RDA or the AI for vitamins A; D and E. Younger HIV-infected women had significantly higher intakes of calcium (p = 0.046);phosphorus (p = 0.04); potassium (p = 0.04); vitamin B12 (p = 0.01); vitamin D (p = 0.03) and vitamin E (p = 0.04)than their HIV-uninfected counterparts. Older HIV-infected women had significantly lower intakes of haem iron (p = 0.03); non-haem iron (p = 0.04) and selenium (p = 0.04) than their HIV-uninfected counterparts.Conclusions. Insufficient micronutrient intakes are common in both HIV-infected and uninfected women. A well-balanced diet and micronutrient supplementation seem warranted to ensure optimal health and survival; particularly in HIV-infected women