Vitamin D Deficiency in HIV-Infected Patients

A new cross-sectional study highlights the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among HIV-infected patients and indicates that tenofovir's effect on bone mineralization may at least partially depend on vitamin D status.

Vitamin D deficiency has become a popular area of research. In preliminary studies, it has been associated with decreased bone mineral content, fractures, insulin resistance, and increased susceptibility to certain infections and cancers. Among HIV-infected patients, vitamin D deficiency is relatively common, and some evidence suggests that NNRTI use may play a role. In addition, experts have speculated that tenofovir use leads to increased bone turnover by causing secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with vitamin D deficiency.

In the present study, investigators measured vitamin D levels among 227 HIV-infected patients at a U.K. clinic during winter months; 131 (58%) had evidence of vitamin D deficiency, with 21 (9%) being severely def…

Reviewing Author

Helmut Albrecht, MD

Disclosures

Grant / Research supportHealth Resources and Services Administration; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Leadership positions in professional societiesColumbia Medical Society; South Carolina Infectious Diseases Society

Helmut Albrecht, MD

Disclosures

Grant / Research supportHealth Resources and Services Administration; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Leadership positions in professional societiesColumbia Medical Society; South Carolina Infectious Diseases Society

Vitamin D Deficiency in HIV-Infected Patients

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Reviewing Author