Zinc Effect on Inflammation and Cardiovascular Risk in HIV

Zinc Effect on Inflammation and Cardiovascular Risk in HIV

To study the effect of short-term zinc supplementation on improving inflammation, metabolic, and cardiovascular risk among HIV infected patients on stable anti-retroviral therapy

This study will focus on subjects with documented zinc deficiency (levels <75 µg/dl) as group most likely to benefit from the zinc supplementation. The investigators also acknowledge that zinc may be beneficial in all HIV subjects, regardless of the plasma zinc level; however initial studies should be done in subjects with low zinc levels as they are more likely to benefit.

Inclusion Criteria:

• HIV-1 infection
• Documentation of an HIV-1 RNA level of ≤400 copies/mL in the last 4 months prior to study entry
• Male or Female age ≥18 years
• Zinc level ≤0.75 mg/L in the last 60 days

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy/lactation
• Known cardiovascular disease
• Uncontrolled diabetes