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. 1994;24(3):209-22.
doi: 10.2190/7VD8-DA67-8T9L-UCHL.

Impact of vitamin B6 status on psychological distress in a longitudinal study of HIV-1 infection

G Shor-Posner  1 , D Feaster, N T Blaney, H Rocca, E Mantero-Atienza, J Szapocznik, C Eisdorfer, K Goodkin, M K Baum
Affiliations

Impact of vitamin B6 status on psychological distress in a longitudinal study of HIV-1 infection

G Shor-Posner et al. Int J Psychiatry Med. 1994.

Abstract

Objective: Inadequate vitamin B6 status has been associated with altered neuropsychiatric function, possibly through its effect on the metabolism of neurotransmitters, including serotonin (5-HT). The present eighteen month longitudinal study evaluated the relationship between vitamin B6 status and psychological distress in HIV-1 infected individuals, controlling for the influence of negative life events, social support and coping style.

Method: Biochemical measurements of nutritional status, and dietary intake evaluations were obtained in HIV-1 seropositive homosexual men, (at baseline: CDC Stages II and III, n = 70; Stage IVA, IVC2 n = 18) at six month intervals. Alterations in nutrient status (e.g., vitamin B6 adequate to inadequate; inadequate to adequate), were compared with changes in psychological distress, measured by the Profile of Mood States, using a multiple regression analysis.

Results: A significant decline in psychological distress was demonstrated with normalization of vitamin B6 status from inadequate to adequate status (p < 0.02). A decrease in psychological distress was also observed with increased tryptophan intake in subjects who were vitamin B6 adequate (p < 0.02).

Conclusions: Significant effects for the nutritional variables remained even when negative life event stressors, social support, and coping style were controlled, suggesting that vitamin B6 status may be an important co-factor in determining level of psychological distress over time in HIV-1 infected individuals.

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