Does Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves supplementation have an impact on the weight and bone mass index of people living with HIV that are on antiretroviral therapy? A double-blind randomized control trial

Abstract

Background. HIV-related weight loss and wasting were the most common malnutrition and AIDS-defining conditions before HAART. HAART has led to more obese PLHIV. HIV-positive patients should eat micro- and macronutrient-rich foods to maintain optimal nutrition. This study examined whether Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf supplementation affects PLHIV receiving ART.

Methods. A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was conducted. Two hundred patients with informed consent were randomly assigned to either the Moringa oleifera Lam. (MOG) group or the control group (COG). From baseline to six months of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf supplementation, anthropometric parameters [weight; BMI] of the participants were assessed.

Results. One hundred seventy-seven patients completed the 6-month follow-up (89 MOG versus 88 COG). During the study period, the MOG and COG had similar weights and BMIs (p>0.05). At baseline and six months, most participants in both study groups had a healthy BMI (18.5-24.9). Many participants were overweight; few were underweight (BMI<18.5). MOG and COG BMI differences at baseline and six months were not significant (p> 0.05). All experiments were 95CI.

Conclusions. Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf powder had no effect on HIV-positive adults receiving antiretroviral therapy, in accordance with this study.