As many studies exist analyzing non-HIV-infected individuals, the authors were interested in studying just how beneficial the supplemented Mediterranean diet could be for those who are HIV-infected. The SMD consisted of extra-virgin olive oil and nuts.
A total of 102 participants with HIV were randomized and separated into a control group who continued with their normal diets and a SMD group who received 50 g/day of extra virgin olive oil and 30 g/day of walnuts. This study was conducted over a span of 12 weeks and used the MD-Adherence-Screener (MEDAS) to measure the adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Researchers found that those in the SMD group had an improved lipid profile, and the immune activation and IFN-y-producing T-cells were reduced. Moreover, those individuals in the high-adherence group of the SMD experienced a significantly higher diversity of the gut microbiota.
In conclusion, the study appeared to present that a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil and walnuts could improve metabolic indicators, immune activation, and gut microbiota diversity for those people affected with HIV-1.
Pastor-Ibáñez, R., Blanco-Heredia, J., Etcheverry, F., Sánchez-Palomino, S., Díez-Fuertes, F., Casas, R., … & García, F. (2021). Adherence to a Supplemented Mediterranean Diet Drives Changes in the Gut Microbiota of HIV-1-Infected Individuals. Nutrients, 13(4), 1141.