Botswana Vitamin D Supplementation Study in HIV/AIDS
Botswana Vitamin D Supplementation Study in HIV/AIDS
The goal is to determine the vit D supplementation dose that safely results in optimal serum
 vitamin D (25D) concentrations in HIV-infected children and adults living in Botswana. To do
 this the investigators will test two oral daily doses (4000 vs. 7000 IU) of cholecalciferol
 (D3) dietary supplement over a 12-week period in 60 children and adults with HIV/AIDS living
 in Botswana (5.0 to 50.9 yrs), to assess safety as determined by serum calcium and 25D
 concentrations and efficacy to replete vit D status as determined by achieving a minimum
 serum 25D concentration of 32 ng/mL (80 nmol/L).
Many people living with HIV/AIDS in African countries are vit D deficient or insufficient.
 Vit D deficiency in HIV/AIDS may be due to low dietary vit D intake, increased requirements,
 malabsorption, specific drug therapies (antiretrovirals, in particular), reduced outdoor
 physical activity, reduced vit D synthesis from UV light exposure in dark skin pigmented
 individuals, or unknown HIV-associated factors. Vit D deficiency likely contributes to
 abnormal immune status and increased inflammatory state, and to poor growth, bone, and muscle
 function, and may contribute to risk for tuberculosis (TB) infection. The goal is to
 determine the vit D supplementation dose that safely results in optimal serum 25D
 concentrations in HIV-infected children and adults living in Botswana.

 To do this the investigators will test two oral daily doses (4000 vs. 7000 IU) of
 cholecalciferol (D3) dietary supplement over a 12-week period in 60 children and adults with
 HIV/AIDS living in Botswana (5.0 to 50.9 yrs), to assess safety as determined by serum
 calcium and 25D concentrations and efficacy to replete vit D status as determined by
 achieving a minimum serum 25D concentration of 32 ng/mL (80 nmol/L).
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  HIV infection

 -  Ages 5.0 to 50.9 y

 -  In usual state of good health

 -  Subject and/or family commitment to the 12-week study

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Other chronic health conditions unrelated to HIV/AIDS that may affect nutritional
 status

 -  Use of vit D supplementation above 400 IU/d