NutraCea to investigate potential role of nutrition in HIV

USA-based nutrition developer NutraCea says it has begun a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of RiSolubles, a patented derivative of stabilized rice bran, in patients infected with HIV. The firm explained that the study is designed to examine anecdotal evidence of immunological benefits conferred by the product.

The assessment will seek to recruit 140 HIV patients, some using antiretroviral therapy and some who are not, in order to determine the effects of a 30mg daily dose of the RiSolubles nutrient, in comparison with placebo. Co-principal investigator Shlomo Maayan, director of the Hadassah Medical AIDS center in Jerusalem, Israel, commented that "such a nutrient study will address an important topic in AIDS medicine; the value of nutrients[...]in boosting the immune function beyond what is achieved by retroviral drugs."

Margie Adelman, senior vice president of the Phoenix, Arizona-headquartered firm, said that the company hoped that patients provided with its supplement experience an increase in CD4 counts, and even a reduction in viral load. She added that, if proved, such an outcome would have significant implications for patients suffering from the disease, and could lead to a reduction in the cost of treatment.