Nutriset is attentive to research work, field-based practices and uncovered needs in relation to the care and nutritional support for people living with HIV under antiretroviral therapy (ART), especially the needs of the most vulnerable populations at risk of malnutrition.
For this purpose, Nutriset has developed Plumpy'UP™, a lipid-based nutritional supplement designed for the support of adults living with HIV under ART, whose daily diet does not cater for the daily ratio of macronutrients and micronutrients they need to maintain a good health. A daily supplementation of two sachets of Plumpy'UP™ provides approximately 1090 kcal and 44 g of protein.
A new product enhances the Plumpy range
Nutriset had already developed Plumpy'Soy™, a RUSF designed for the nutritional support of adults infected with a communicable disease (tuberculosis, malaria) whose diet is deficient in macro and micronutrients. A daily supplementation of two packets of Plumpy'Soy™ meets the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for most vitamins and minerals and provides 1000 kcal and 25 g of protein. Now, with Plumpy'UP™ the Plumpy line of products is expanded to support people living with HIV.
Several clinical trials have investigated the role of micronutrient and macronutrient supplementation on HIV-related treatment outcomes.
In the light of these findings, several scientists emphasized that it is crucial to continue to encourage nutritional support for patients with HIV under ART because it may increase lean mass, hasten physical and functional recovery, and improve work capacity and quality of life.
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RUSF impact has been tested on HIV patients starting their ART. After 24 weeks, these immunocompromised patients treated with RUSF in clinics in Kenya, Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe had greater weight gains, BMI and mid-upper arm circumference versus the control group.
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This trial in Ethiopia highlighted the fact that at the start of ART a 3-months’ lipid based nutrient supplementation was leading to a gain in weight, lean body mass and grip strength.
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A significant increase in CD4 cell counts* resulted from a supplementation in vitamin and mineral during a trial in Tanzania and Zambia.
* A CD4 lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell that helps direct and activate cells in the body that fight HIV infection. They owe their name to the CD4 molecules they carry on their surface.
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In Malawi, under-nourished HIV patients starting ART supplemented with RUSF during 14 weeks showed increased weight and lean mass compared to the patients supplemented with Corn Soy Blend (CSB).
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