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Association of dietary and serum folate in a cohort of asymptomatic HIV+ patients in Botswana
Author(s) -
Marlink Richard,
Bussmann Hermann,
Masmouie Hoda,
Burns Patricia J,
Tsalaile Lesedi,
Raesi Mpho,
Makhema Joseph,
Campa Adriana,
Baum Marianna K
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.537.18
Subject(s) - medicine , micronutrient , asymptomatic , viral load , anemia , cohort , immunology , physiology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , gastroenterology , pathology
Objective Deficiency of folate is common in HIV infection and is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, hypertension and anemia. We determined the variables associated with risk for folate deficiency in HIV infected antiretroviral naïve HIV infected adults in Botswana. Methods After consenting, 140 HIV+ adults were administered medical, physical activity and 24‐hour recall questionnaires. Clinical exams were performed. Blood was drawn for CD4 cell count, viral load and serum folate levels. Results The mean age was 34.0±8.21, 48% (n=67) were male and 15.2% had low serum folate (<5 ng/mL). Serum folate was significantly correlated with physical activity (r=0.244, p=0.011), BMI (r=−0.255, p=0.004), and female gender (r=−0.560, p<0.001). CD4 cell count and viral load were not significantly related to serum folate. Total folate intake was predictive of serum folate levels (β= 2.476, p=0.015) in a dose‐response relationship after controlling for physical activity, smoking, hypertension and gender. Conclusion Folate intake is reflected in serum levels in a dose response manner and is a good marker of folate intake from diet and from supplements in HIV+ adults. Serum folate levels may be used as an index of adherence in micronutrient supplementation trials that contain folate. Funded by NIDA