Fokam Fossoh D. Perpetue^1,, Kotue Taptue Charles², Nguidjoe Evrard³, Pieme Constant Anatole¹

Hidden hunger is common amongst people living with HIV/AIDS. Good nutrition, with adequate micronutrients intake, is fundamental to improve their quality of life. This study was done to assess iron, vitamins A and E levels on HIV/AIDS adult patients in the Centre Region of Cameroon. The aim is the importance to ameliorate nutritional resources for people living with HIV (PLWH), using the locally available diet. This cross-sectional analysis of 82 adults from 21 to 39 years old was done at Saint Martin de Porres Hospital in Yaounde, Cameroon. Anthropometric variables were body weight and height. Iron, vitamins A and E levels, and CD4 T cells count were determined in blood samples. Seven-day food records were used for nutrient intakes. Iron and vitamin A intakes values range respectively from 5.34 to 70.99 mg/day (with an average of such 15.18 mg/day) and 40.31 to 963.93 mg/day (with an average of such 305.98 mg/day). Iron intake was insufficient for 52.3%. Vitamin A consumption was high for all participants. Iron, vitamin A and vitamin E levels values range respectively from: 0.13 to 3.81 mg/dL (with a mean of 1.28 ± 0.76 mg/dL); 0.14 to 0.86 mg/L (with an average of 0.45 mg/L); and 4.41 to 41.05 mg/L (with an average of 11.32 mg/L). Prevalence of iron and vitamin A deficiencies was 15.9%, and 13% for vitamin E. Only women were affected by iron deficiency. These results suggest that although iron, vitamins A and E levels were normal for most of PLWH, their deficiencies remain present. Hence, their morbidity and mortality could be affected. It is urgent to implement effective strategies for nutritional education on local iron and vitamin C rich foods, and for screening of signs of vitamin A toxicity in routine follow-up of people with HIV/AIDS in Cameroon.

micronutrients, nutritional education, immunodeficiency, Yaounde