The Effect of an Enhanced Rice Bran Nutritional Supplement on Metabolic Syndrome Variables in HIV

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Compound (RBAC) on metabolic syndrome variables in persons living with HIV (PLWH). This nutritional supplement is made from a water soluble extract of rice bran that has been partially hydrolyzed by the action of a natural enzyme complex extracted from Shiitake mushroom. Given that these micronutrients may be important for regulating the immune system and metabolizing glucose, the investigators will explore the impact of RBAC on metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) variables according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines (1) (fasting plasma glucose, waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure), secondarily on additional atherogenic variables (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, hip circumference, and body mass index) and immune functioning (CD4+ and CD8+) among 40 HIV+ adult (18+ years of age and over) patients on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART). Specifically, subjects will participate in a 6-month, two-group, randomized intervention, where one group (n=20) will take 3 gram/day RBAC and the other group (n=20) will take a placebo to compare differences in outcomes between the two groups. The results of the study are intended to address the multi-faceted physiological problems of HIV+ patients by testing the efficacy of a nutritional supplement intervention on multiple outcomes in this population.

No substantial psychological, medical, or social risks exist to the participants, other than minor discomfort associated with the venipuncture. Although all measures to protect confidentiality will be put in place, the possibility exists that electronic data could be jeopardized. In the remote case that such event occurs, it will be immediately reported to the Institutional Review Board.

The components of RBAC should be harmless without significant food allergies. No serious, untoward side effects have been reported to the company by consumers nor observed during previous human studies. Potential adverse effects will be explained to each participant when informed consent is obtained. Whole foods supplements are virtually no different than consuming food, because of how they are manufactured. The investigators prior study on RBAC showed no adverse effects. If any side effect does occur, the remedy is to discontinue until asymptomatic, and then reintroduce at 1/4 dosage, increasing by the same amount every 2 days, if uneventful, until full dosage is achieved. Study staff will provide additional follow-up and consultation with any subject who experiences an untoward side effect.

Other potential risks include:

1. Randomization. A potential risk for the placebo group is no improvement in the investigators outcomes of interest.
2. Data collection. The investigators foresee minimal risks associated with the testing, other than discomfort or fatigue.