Decreased fat and nitrogen losses in patients with AIDS receiving medium-chain-triglyceride-enriched formula vs those receiving long-chain-triglyceride-containing formula

The purpose of this study was to compare two enteral formulas, differing only in fat source, for product acceptance, tolerance, and effect on fat malabsorption and nutritional status in subjects with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The double-blind, randomized 15-day trial was divided into a 3-day period in which solid food was consumed followed by a 12-day experimental period in which liquid formulas were consumed. Twenty-three men and one woman with AIDS and fat malabsorption completed the study. The study was conducted in the General Clinical Research Center, University of Alabama Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Laboratory assays were performed in the Department of Nutrition Sciences. After 3 days of consuming a controlled, solid food diet containing 100 g fat per day from mixed sources to document fat malabsorption, subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Each group received a liquid formula containing 35% of energy as fat for 12 days. One group received a formula containing 85% medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and the control group received a formula containing 100% long-chain triglycerides. Determinations included stool number, consistency, weight, and fat and nitrogen content; urine nitrogen and creatinine levels; and body weight. Subject demographic and other baseline characteristics were compared using two-sample t tests; stool and urine assessments were compared between groups at the initial experimental period using two-sample t tests; changes from initial to final experimental periods were assessed by means of analysis of covariance; changes in pooled intake, body weight, and the number and consistency of bowel movements were also assessed using analysis of covariance. All statistical tests were two-tailed and considered significant at P<.05. Within-group comparisons indicated that subjects fed the MCT formula showed significantly decreased stool fat and stool nitrogen content (P=.01 and P=.03, respectively) and increased fat absorption (P=.03), whereas those fed the control formula did not. Differences in stool fat between the groups were not statistically significant. However, the difference in fat absorption from the initial to final formula period was significant (P=.04). Subjects consuming the MCT formula also tended to have a decreased number of bowel movements and abdominal symptoms, whereas subjects fed the control formula showed no improvement. All subjects maintained their body weights. There may be advantages to using an MCT-based formula in the treatment of AIDS-associated malabsorption.