Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with higher levels of free radicals (organic molecules responsible for aging, tissue damage, and possibly some diseases) and decreased vitamin absorption, both of which damage the body and can lead to poorer health. According to a study published in 2005 in the "Journal of Nutrition" by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, daily multivitamins reduce the progression of HIV and are a good low-cost intervention. The University of California encourages getting vitamins primarily through a healthy diet however some individuals with HIV may also benefit from vitamin supplements.
Vitamin A
Antioxidants are substances that protect the body from damage done by free radicals. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that supports skin, lung and stomach health. Researchers from the Harvard school of Public Health published a paper in 2007 in "Vitamins and Hormones" about the effects of vitamins on HIV patients. They concluded that vitamin A supplements are especially beneficial to infants and children with HIV by reducing mortality and morbidity associated with the disease. Foods with the highest amount of vitamin A are liver, eggs and milk. Dark green, orange, yellow and red fruits and vegetables also contain vitamin A like sweet potatoes, leafy greens, squash, carrots and mango.
B Vitamins
HIV damages the immune system and interferes with the body's ability to fight infections according to the Mayo Clinic. B Vitamins like thiamin (B1), niacin (B3), folic acid, cobalamin (B12) and riboflavin (B2) support immunity. B vitamins are found in meat, fish, chicken, grains, nuts, green leafy vegetables, avocado and watermelon. Supplemental B-vitamins are in multivitamins and B-complex vitamins.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that also has a role in protecting the body from infection and promoting healing. The best sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, bell peppers and potatoes.
Vitamin E
The 2007 study in "Vitamins and Hormones" encouraged intake of multivitamin supplements, especially those that contain vitamins B, C and E, for people infected with HIV and especially pregnant women with HIV. Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin and antioxidant that supports immunity by protecting cells and preventing infection. Vitamin E comes from vegetable oils, green leafy vegetables and nuts. Individuals who take vitamin E or A supplements should be aware that high doses can be toxic.
Iron
Individuals who don't get enough iron are at risk for anemia, a condition that causes weakness and jeopardizes the immune system. The best sources of iron are red meat, chicken, liver, eggs, green leafy vegetables like spinach, whole grains, dried fruit and beans. Iron should be limited to 45 mg a day because, according to the University of California, too much iron can increase bacterial activity and speed up HIV progression.
Zinc & Selenium
Zinc and selenium are minerals that support the immune system. Zinc comes from meat, fish, poultry, nuts, milk and dairy products. Selenium is in whole grains, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, peanut butter and nuts. Zinc and selenium can be supplemented by taking a trace element supplement, according to the New Mexico AIDS InfoNet.
References
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Studies of vitamins and minerals and HIV transmission and disease progression; W. Fawzi, et al.; April 2005
- Mayo Clinic: HIV/AIDS
- New Mexico AIDS InfoNet: Vitamins and minerals
- University of California HIV InSite: Diet and Nutrition
- "Vitamins and Hormones"; Effects of vitamins, including vitamin A, on HIV/AIDS patients; S. Mehta, W. Fawzi; 2007
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