Long term effects of early nutritional support with new enterotropic peptide-based formula vs. standard enteral formula in HIV-infected patients: randomised prospective trial Chlebowski R T, Beall G, Grovenor M, Lillington L, Weintraub N, Ambler C, Richards E W, Abbruzzese B C, McCamish M A and Cope F O Nutrition 1993; 9 (6): 507-512

This paper describes a prospective trial of a new peptide based formula (NEF) compared with a standard enteral formula (SEF) in the management of weight loss in people with HIV infection. 80 largely asymptomatic patients were randomised to receive 2-3 8 oz cans of either the NEF or SEF supplement. Outcome measures included adherence, weight change, anthropometric measurements, serum biochemistry, gastrointestinal symptoms, physical performance and intercurrent health events and were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 month intervals. For the 56 evaluable patients those receiving the NEF supplement maintained body weight better (p = 0.04), had more stable triceps skinfold measurements (p = 0.03), lower blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.04), and reduced hospitalisation during the 3-6 month evaluation period (p = 0.02) than those consuming the SEF supplement. The NEF supplement was well tolerated and did not result in untoward clinical effects. These data suggest that the supplemental use of a NEF provides superior nutritional management compared to an SEF for patients with early stage HIV infection.