The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, damages the immune system, making an individual more prone to infection. There is no cure for HIV, but anti-retroviral medicines help to stop the virus from replicating inside the body and also help to prolong life and alleviate symptoms. Certain vitamins might play a role in the treatment of HIV in men -- and, indeed, women, but should never be considered as an alternative to HIV medicines. Get medical advice before adding vitamin supplements to your treatment program.
Vitamin C
Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin found in a host of foods, including strawberries, red and green peppers, citrus fruits and green vegetables. It is also available as a dietary supplement. It plays an important role in immune system maintenance and is sometimes used to help stave off diseases, such as the common cold. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that taking 500 mg to 1,000 mg daily might help support the immune system, but adds that HIV patients may need to take higher doses. Ask your doctor for advice.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin needed for numerous biological processes, including DNA synthesis and nerve function. It is found in a variety of foods such as meats, fortified cereals and poultry, and is also available as a dietary supplement. An article published in the February 2004 issue of the "International Journal of STD & AIDS" notes that low blood serum B-12 levels are common among HIV-infected patients and that anti-retroviral therapy helps to boost B-12 levels. Talk to your doctor about whether taking vitamin B-12 might be beneficial for you.
Vitamin E
The results of an early study of 49 HIV-positive patients published in the September 1998 issue of "AIDS" show that vitamin E helps to reduce viral load. However, vitamin E was administered in combination with vitamin C, so it is difficult to know whether vitamin E would have had the same effect if used alone. Vitamin E is found in several foods, including vegetables oils, fruits, vegetables and poultry. Like vitamin C and B-12, it is also available as a dietary supplement. Get medical advice before taking supplemental vitamin E.
Considerations
Keep in mind that although vitamin supplements are freely available in pharmacies and health food stores, they can cause side effects or may be unsuitable for you. For example, taking more than 400 IU of vitamin E daily can cause serious side effects. Vitamin C, although likely safe, might interact with other medicines, including chemotherapeutic drugs. Get clearance from you doctor before taking any new supplements.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: HIV and AIDS
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
- "International Journal of STD & AIDS"; Low Serum Vitamin B12 Levels in an Outpatient HIV-Infected Population; M.J. Hepburn.; February 2004
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Vitamin B12
- "AIDS"; Effects of Vitamin E and C Supplementation on Oxidative Stress and Viral Load in HIV-Infected Subjects; J.P. Allard, et al.; September 1998
- MedlinePlus: Vitamin E
