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Could Dietary Algae Affect Immunity and Viral Counts in People With HIV?

NCT01195077 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: PHASE1/PHASE2 · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 12

Last updated 2021-05-11

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Drawing inferences from epidemiologic studies of HIV/AIDS as well well as cell culture and animal studies of HIV inhibition by algae, we propose algal consumption as one unifying characteristic of countries with anomalously low rates. HIV/AIDS incidence and prevalence in Eastern Asia (\<1/10,000 adults in Japan and Korea), compared to Africa (≈1/10 adults) strongly suggest that differences in IV drug use and sexual behavior are insufficient to explain the 1000-fold variation. Even in Africa, AIDS/HIV rates vary. Spirulina is part of the daily diet for many people living in Chad, where prevalence of HIV has remained at less than 4% for more than 20 years. Average daily algae consumption in Asia and Africa ranges between 1 to 2 tablespoons (3 - 13 grams).

HIV viral load is the main indicator of infection, however CD4 helper cell counts are most predictive of morbidity and mortality.We hypothesized that the consumption of algae could be important in diminishing the risk of HIV infection, and subsequent progression, possibly by enhancing the immune response.

Conditions

  • HIV Infections

Interventions

OTHER

seaweed, spirulina, seaweed + spirulina

Arm 1: Seaweed. Ten capsules of .5 grams per capsule for a total of 10 grams per day. Arm 2: Spirulina: Ten capsules of .5 grams per capsule for a total of 10 grams per day. Arm 3: Seaweed: (2.5 grams) plus Spirulina (2.5 grams). Ten capsules of .5 grams per capsule for a total of 10 grams per day. Spirulina: Ten capsules of .5 grams per capsule for a total of 10 grams per day.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of South Carolina

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Jane Teas, Ph.D. · University of South Carolina

Study Design

Allocation
NA
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Model
SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2003-02-28
Primary Completion
2008-06-30
Completion
2008-06-30

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT01195077 on ClinicalTrials.gov