The goal of vitamin supplementation in HIV disease is to ensure adequate levels of nutrients in order to prevent viral replication, according to a 2000 article published in "Alternative Medicine Review." The author, Dr. Lyn Patrick, ND, states viral replication is incited by "free radical-induced cytokine proliferation." This means that the waste metabolites produced by cells are the catalyst for producing cytokines, small protein regulators that are responsible for managing inflammatory responses in the body. When the body has an inflammatory response, the HIV virus replicates.Taking the appropriate vitamins and minerals may prevent this response.
Vitamin A
In order to generate an immune response, the body needs vitamin A, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Natural killer cells, macrophages and neutrophils need vitamin A to function. Low levels of vitamin A are found in 12 percent to 19 percent of people living with HIV, according to the article written by Dr. Patrick. Vitamin A deficiency was determined to be a risk factor for transmission of the HIV virus to unborn children. Deficiency in vitamin A leads to immunodeficiency, and intake of 9,000 to 20,000 international units appears to delay progression of the disease. Vitamin A enhances immunity and, when given to hospitalized patients who are deficient, reduces morbidity and mortality. HIV patients with adequate dietary vitamin A resources still required supplementation, according to Dr. Patrick.
Vitamin D
According to HIVandHepatitis.com, studies presented at the 17th conference on retroviruses and opportunistic infections showed that vitamin D deficiency is common among patients who are HIV-positive. The vitamin D metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, is recognized as a potent modulator of the immune system, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. HIV patients are also at greater risk of bone loss, and vitamin D deficiency increases that risk, as vitamin D is a potent regulator of calcium use in the body.
B Vitamins
According to Dr. Patrick's article, HIV-positive patients require multiples of the recommended daily allowance of B vitamins. Low levels of B12 and B6 seem to be common among this cohort. A significant decrease in progression to AIDS was noted in those patients taking high doses of B vitamins. It appears that B12 malabsorption is common in HIV, and supplementation is required.
