Micronutrient Levels and HIV Disease Status in HIV-Infected Patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in the Nutrition for Healthy Living Cohort

BACKGROUND:Low serum micronutrient levels were common before widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and were associated with adverse outcomes. Few data are available on micronutrient levels in subjects taking HAART. OBJECTIVE:To determine the prevalence of low serum retinol, α-tocopherol, zinc, and selenium in HIV-infected subjects taking HAART and to assess the association of micronutrient levels with HIV disease status. DESIGN:Cross-sectional. SETTING:Nutrition for Healthy Living (NFHL) study. PARTICIPANTS:HIV-infected subjects on HAART. METHODS:Retinol, α-tocopherol, zinc, and selenium were determined in frozen serum samples from 171 men and 117 women. Low serum levels were defined as retinol