The Efficacy of Micronutrient-Fortified Sorghum Meal in Improving the Immune Status of HIV-Positive Adults

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies are common and compound the effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Africa. Nutritional interventions, particularly vitamin A supplementation, may improve immune functioning and delay disease progression. Aim: To investigate the effect of fortified sorghum meal provided for 12 months on the immune status of adults with HIV. Methods: HIV-infected men and women were enrolled in a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in Kanye, Botswana, to receive either sorghum meal fortified with micronutrients including vitamin A (n = 67) or control (n = 65). Serum retinol, iron, zinc, albumin, CD4 cell count and HIV viral load were assessed at baseline and every 3 months. Results: Baseline serum retinol levels were 1.6 µmol/l in both groups and no significant difference was observed at the end of the intervention (control group: 1.5 µmol/l; experimental group: 1.6 µmol/l). In addition, there was no significant difference in the mean (Q1, Q3) CD4 cell count; 348 (220, 456) cells/mm 3 for the control group versus 338 (228, 426) cells/mm 3 in the experimental group after intervention. Conclusion: In this study, fortified sorghum meal did not influence serum retinol, CD4 cell count and HIV viral load. Future intervention studies should carefully consider the composition and dosing of food supplements needed to improve immune status and delay disease progression.