The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, attacks the immune system, making an infected individual more prone to developing potentially life-threatening conditions such as cancer. There is no cure for HIV, but drugs known as antiretrovirals help to stop the virus from replicating and, according to the BBC Health website, can significantly increase life expectancy. Certain vitamins, including niacin, might also play a role in HIV treatment, although evidence to show it influences the course of the disease is limited. Get medical advice before taking niacin supplements and don't use them in place of HIV meds.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Also known as vitamin B-3, niacin helps the body to convert carbohydrates into glucose and also plays an important role in the metabolism of fats and proteins. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that it may help to support the treatment of a number of conditions including diabetes, high cholesterol and atherosclerosis. An article published in the November 1999 issue of "Medical Hypotheses" notes that niacin might also help to prevent the progression of HIV to full-blown AIDS.
Research
Most research into the effects of niacin on HIV has centered on its role in treating dyslipidemia -- a common condition in HIV-infected individuals being treated with antiretroviral therapy. However, the results of an early clinical study in HIV-infected men, published in the June 1996 issue of the "American Journal of Epidemiology," shows that a high intake of niacin might slow the progression of HIV to AIDS and might also improve survival. More up-to-date studies are lacking.
Sources and Adminstration
Foods that contain niacin include fortified bread, beef liver, fish, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. It is also available as a dietary supplement in regular and timed release forms. Guidance regarding a suitable dose to support HIV treatment is lacking. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center states that high doses of niacin are used to control specific diseases and must be prescribed by a doctor.
Safety Considerations
Taking more than 50 mg of niacin daily might cause side effects like flushing and tingling in the face and chest. Very high doses might also cause liver damage and stomach ulcers, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Niacin also interacts with a host of medicines including anticoagulants, antibiotics, nicotine patches and cholesterol-lowering medicines. Don't use niacin if you have gout or a history of liver or stomach problems.
References
- BBC Health: HIV
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- "Medical Hypotheses"; Niacin as a Potential AIDS Preventive Factor; M.F. Murray; November 1999
- "American Journal of Epidemiology"; Effects of Micronutrient Intake on Survival in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection; A.M. Tang, et al.; June 1996
