The AIDS Beacon™

HIV positive individuals may find long term benefits from using dietary supplements in combination with antiretroviral medication.

A midterm report of a study conducted by the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society showed that body mass index and hemoglobin count improved in HIV positive individuals that used nutritional supplements with antiretroviral therapy.

Body mass index is a calculation of percentage of body fat, and hemoglobin levels are proteins in red blood cells that carry oxygen.

Low body mass index and low hemoglobin levels are often problematic in those with HIV. Low hemoglobin levels can increase the risk of developing anemia, a condition in which red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood are below normal. Anemia can often be caused by shortage of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid.

According to a study published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, over 50 percent of people with HIV use alternative therapies, such as herbal medicines and dietary supplements.

Research has shown that B vitamins, selenium, and spirulina are three supplements that can be beneficial for HIV patients.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B12 deficiency has been associated with decreasing CD4+ cells, which are white blood cells that help fight infection in the body. Some studies have shown that without supplements, up to 95 percent of those with HIV may have B12 deficiencies. Vitamin B6 has also been shown to improve CD4+ cell counts.

According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin B12 can be obtained from eating one chicken breast, one hard boiled egg, and one cup of plain non-fat yogurt daily.

Selenium

Selenium also helps strengthen the immune systems by creating antioxidants that protect the body from invaders that may damage cells. Eating foods and supplements with antioxidants are beneficial for HIV positive individuals. Beans, blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries have high levels of antioxidants.

In a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine, the supplement selenium was found to reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and increase CD4+ cell levels.

Participants who took 200 micrograms of selenium daily for nine months had a 12 percent decrease in viral loads. Participants in the control group, who were not given selenium, experienced increased viral loads and decreased CD4 levels in the same nine month period of time.

Brazil nuts, tuna, and beef are common foods that contain selenium. Brazil nuts are the highest with up to 544 micrograms per ounce. However, because of the high presence of this supplement, it is recommended that people watch their intake of these nuts.

Spirulina

Spirulina has also been proven beneficial by multiple research studies. Spirulina is blue – green alga that contains vitamin A, vitamin B1, B6, B12, vitamin C, proteins, and minerals.

A study published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome found that the use of spirulina inhibited HIV replication in the blood. Taking extract concentrations between 0.3 and 1.2 micrograms per milliliter reduced viral production by about 50 percent.

Spirulina can be found at most health food stores in a powder form, which can easily be added to smoothies or drinks.

What To Avoid

While supplements may seem harmless, potentially seriously drug interactions may occur.

The common herb St. John’s Wort can negatively interact with many medications given to HIV patients. St. John’s Wort is processed by the enzyme p450, which many other supplements and antiretroviral medications also use. Different interactions may occur that raise or lower levels of antiretroviral medicine in the blood.

Specifically the use of St. John’s Wort with Crixivan (indinavir sulfate) reduced the effectiveness of this medication. Other protease inhibitors are thought to respond similarly to this drug combination.

Other supplements that are processed by p450 should potentially be avoided. These include garlic, milk thistle, melatonin, and ginseng. Other studies have shown that vitamin A may also have an effect on the p450 enzyme.

According to the National Institute of Health, garlic supplements may adversely react with ritonavir (Norvir) and increase levels of this drug in the body. However, additional studies on ritonavir and garlic did not suggest a serious interaction.

Patients experiencing side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting with any supplement may want to discontinue use for a period of time to see if symptoms subside.

As with any medication or supplement, taking excessive amounts may be harmful. It is important that patients discuss the addition or discontinuation of any dietary supplements with their physician.