Improved appetite after multi-micronutrient supplementation for six months in HIV-infected South African children

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of multi-micronutrient supplementation on the appetite of HIV-infected children. HIV-infected children (6-24 months) who had previously been hospitalized were enrolled into a double-blind randomized trial, and given daily multi-micronutrient supplements or placebos for six months. Appetite tests were performed at enrolment and after three and six months. Appetite was measured as ad libitum intake of a commercial cereal test food served after an overnight fast according to standardized procedures. Body weights and total amount of test food eaten were measured. In total, 99 children completed the study (50 on supplements and 49 on placebos). Amounts eaten per kilogram body weight in the supplement group at enrolment and after six months were 36.7 ± 17.7 g/kg (mean ± SD) and 41.3 ± 15.0 g/kg respectively, while the amounts in the placebo group were 47.1 ± 14.9 g/kg and 45.7 ± 13.1 g/kg respectively. The change in amount eaten per kilogram body weight over six months was significantly higher in the supplement group (4.7 ± 14.7 g/kg) than in the placebo group (-1.4 ± 15.1 g/kg). Multi-micronutrient supplementation for six months seems to significantly improve the appetite of HIV-infected children.