An Open-Label, Randomized, Three-Arm, Comparative Trial of a Caloric Supplement With Peptides and Medium-Chain Triglycerides Versus a Caloric Supplement With Whole Protein and Long-Chain Triglycerides Versus No Caloric Supplement for the Prevention of Weight Loss in Individuals With AIDS Who Take a Daily Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement

Inclusion Criteria

Patients must have:

• HIV infection.
• Stable weight.
• CD4+ cell count <200 cells/mm3.
• Life expectancy of at least 6 months.
• Parent or legal guardian to sign written, informed consent for patients < 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Co-existing Condition:

Patients with any of the following symptoms or conditions are excluded:

• Active opportunistic infection, requiring acute treatment.
• Malignancy (other than stable cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma that does not require systemic chemotherapy).
• Diabetes mellitus or other conditions requiring special dietary restrictions.
• Body mass index (BMI) >= 29.0 kg/m2.
• Disorders or conditions that, in the treating clinician's opinion, may prevent adequate compliance with protocol requirements.

Concurrent Medication:

Excluded:

• Growth hormone.
• Megestrol acetate (Megace).
• Cyproheptadine (Periactin).
• Dronabinol (Marinol).
• Thalidomide.
• Anabolic steroids (e.g., nandrolone decanoate)(Deca-durabolin).
• Pharmacologic-dose corticosteroids (e.g., > 15 mg/day prednisone equivalent)

NOTE:

• Men requiring testosterone replacement therapy for documented hypogonadism may be enrolled.
• Caloric nutritional supplements deemed by the clinician to promote weight gain or maintenance.

Patients with the following prior condition are excluded:

• History of phenylketonuria.

Prior Medication:

Excluded within the past 2 weeks:

• Use of caloric nutritional supplements for more than 5 days deemed by the clinician to promote weight gain or maintenance.

Excluded within the past 30 days:

• Growth hormone.
• Megestrol acetate (Megace).
• Cyproheptadine (Periactin).
• Dronabinol (Marinol).
• Thalidomide.
• Anabolic steroids (e.g., nandrolone decanoate)(Deca-durabolin)
• Pharmacologic-dose corticosteroids (e.g., > 15 mg/day prednisone equivalent).

NOTE:

• Men requiring testosterone replacement therapy for documented hypogonadism may be enrolled.

History of severe allergic reactions to study medication Currently pregnant or breastfeeding Recent participation in another clinical trial within the last 30 days Presence of uncontrolled medical conditions that could affect safety