Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, is a potentially fatal immune system disorder. It occurs when the human immunodeficiency virus, commonly known as HIV, damages the immune system by attacking T-lymphocytes, white blood cells that help the body fight infection.There is no cure for HIV infection, but antiviral medicines help to prolong life and suppress symptoms. The mineral selenium may play a role in the treatment of HIV, although evidence to prove that it is effective is mixed. Don't take selenium in place of your prescription medicines.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Selenium is a trace mineral that the body uses to make enzymes that help protect the body's cells from free-radical damage. It also helps to regulate thyroid and immune system function. The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) notes that selenium may play an important role in the treatment of several conditions, including cancer and arthritis. Selenium deficiency is associated with a higher risk of death in HIV and AIDS patients.
Sources and Administration
A number of foods contain selenium, including Brazil nuts, beef, turkey, eggs, oatmeal and rice. However, the ODS notes that plant foods are the richest source of this mineral. It is also available as a dietary supplement in pills or capsules. Guidance regarding an appropriate dose to support immune function in HIV patients is lacking, although RxList notes that the upper tolerable dose in adults and adolescents over 14 years old is 400 micrograms daily.
Scientific Evidence
The results of a clinical study published in the January 2007 issue of the "Archives of Internal Medicine" show that daily selenium supplementation suppresses the progression of HIV and improves white blood cell count. However, an an analysis of clinical studies published in the November 2010 issue of "Nutrition Review" surmises that evidence to support the use of selenium supplementation in HIV patients remains mixed, adding that further studies are needed to fully ascertain selenium's benefits.
Safety Considerations
RxList states that short-term use of up to 400 micrograms daily is likely safe, but higher doses of selenium may cause vomiting, energy loss and irritability. Long-term selenium use may not be safe for people who have suffered from skin cancer, as it may increase the risk of its recurrence. Men with fertility problems should also avoid taking a selenium supplement. Keep in mind that it may also interact with other medicines you may be taking, including anticoagulants, sedatives and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Consult your physician before taking selenium.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: HIV and AIDS
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Selenium
- RxList: Selenium
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Suppression of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Viral Load with Selenium Supplementation: A Randomized Controlled Trial; B.E. Hurwitz, et al.; January 2007
- "Nutrition Review"; Role of Selenium in HIV Infection; C.A. Stone, et al.; November 2010
