The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, attacks CD4 cells, white blood cells that help fight infection. As a result, people with HIV have a weakened immune system and are more susceptible to potentially life-threatening conditions such as cancer. Although there is no cure or vaccine for HIV as of 2011, medicines known as antiretroviral drugs can help slow its progression and prolong life. Carnitine might also play a role in HIV treatment, although scientific evidence showing it is effective is limited. Get medical advice before using carnitine, and don't use it in place of medical treatments.
Properties and Uses
Carnitine helps the body convert fat into energy and might also play a role in the treatment of a number of medical conditions, including angina, Alzheimer's disease, peripheral vascular disease and erectile dysfunction. An article published in the November 2004 issue of the "Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences" notes that carnitine might help prevent or treat lipodystrophy, a complication of antiretroviral therapy for HIV characterized by fat accumulation.
Potential Role in HIV Treatment
Scientific evidence showing that carnitine can help prevent or slow the progression of HIV is lacking. However, it might help reduce treatment-related side effects. For example, the results of a clinical study published in the February 2009 issue of "HIV Medicine" show that it helps alleviate symptoms of antiretroviral toxic neuropathy, a painful neurological complication sometimes associated with the use of antiretroviral medicines.
Administration
Carnitine is found in a number of foods, including red meat, peanut butter, wheat and dairy products. It is also available as a dietary supplement in capsules and tablets and is usually supplied in a form known as L-carnitine. It can also be administered intravenously by a doctor. Since carnitine is a not a proven treatment for HIV, guidance regarding a suitable dosage is lacking. However, your doctor might be able to advise on a suitable dose.
Safety Considerations
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that carnitine might cause side effects but that these are generally mild and may include diarrhea, body odor and rash. However, it is contraindicated in several conditions, including kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes and liver cirrhosis. It might also interact with other medicines, including the cancer drug doxorubicin and the anticonvulsant medicine valproic acid. Get medical advice before adding it to an HIV treatment program.
References
- NHS Choices; HIV and AIDS; October 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Carnitine; March 2009
- "Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences"; Acetyl-L-Carnitine for the Treatment of HIV Lipoatrophy; L. Day, et al.; November 2004
- "HIV Medicine"; Acetyl-l-Carnitine and Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor-Associated Neuropathy in HIV Infection; V. Valcour, et al.; February 2009
