Micronutrients and HIV infection Review

Campa, A, Baum, MK. (2010). Micronutrients and HIV infection . HIV Therapy, 4(4), 437-469. 10.2217/hiv.10.36

cited authors

  • Campa, A; Baum, MK

abstract

  • The immune system requires several essential micronutrients to maintain an effective immune response. HIV infection destroys the immune system and promotes nutritional deficiencies, which further impair immunity. This article reviews the role of several micronutrients (vitamins A, C, E and D, the B vitamins, and minerals, selenium, iron and zinc) that are relevant for maintaining immune function. In addition, the deficiencies of these micronutrients have been associated with faster progression of HIV-1 disease. This review examines the evidence from observational studies of an association between micronutrient status and HIV disease, as well as the effectiveness of micronutrient supplementation on HIV-disease progression, pregnancy outcomes and nutritional status, among others, utilizing randomized clinical trials. Each micronutrient is introduced with a summary of its functions in human physiology, followed by the presentation of studies conducted in HIV-infected patients in relation to this specific micronutrient. Overall findings and recommendations are then summarized. © 2010 Future Medicine Ltd.

authors

publication date

  • July 1, 2010

published in

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 437

end page

  • 469

volume

  • 4

issue

  • 4