Dietary peptides are known to have biological importance beyond their nutritive value as protein, influencing structural, immune, and gastrointestinal functions. We hypothesized that the inflammation associated GI symptoms resulting from current recommended HIV therapy may be ameliorated by fish peptide supplementation. A population of 23 HIV-infected males experiencing GI side effects on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were given either 3 g per day of the fish peptide supplement or a control for 5 months, with symptoms assessed before and after the treatment period. In the HIV patients, the number of GI symptoms collectively reported as decreased in the supplement group was significantly greater than the number of symptoms collectvely reported as decreased in the control group. These bioactive peptides appear to have a dual function in HIV patients: controlling intestinal permeability as a potential long-term risk factor of HAART and reducing the GI side effects of HAART, which may relate to increased compliance and improved treatment outcome. Nichols TW, DelRossi J, Ritz BW. Peptides 2002; 108 (1):31.