Randomized parallel-group pilot trial (Best foods for your heart) comparing the effects of a Mediterranean Portfolio diet with a low saturated fat diet on HIV dyslipidemia.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Mediterranean diets reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the effect is unknown in people living with HIV, who have an increased risk potentially due to the additional burdens of infection, inflammation and antiretroviral treatment (ART). We examined the feasibility of a 6-month dietary intervention in adults with HIV dyslipidemia using a sample size adequate to detect differences in LDL-cholesterol. METHODS Sixty adults with stable HIV infection on ART and LDL-cholesterol >3 mmol/l were recruited. Participants were randomized (1:1) to receive dietary advice to reduce saturated fat intake to