Vitamin D Provides Protection Against Disease Progression In HIV-Infected Pregnant Women
For people living with HIV, keeping their immune systems strong is of utmost importance, although it can often be a challenge. In a recently published study, researchers examined the connection between one intervention that may help, vitamin D, and HIV disease progression in pregnant women.
The study examined 884 HIV-infected pregnant women who were enrolled in a multivitamin supplementation trial that did not include vitamin D. After following these women for 69.5 months, researchers recorded information on HIV disease progression, hemoglobin levels, and mortality. Later, they connected this information with the vitamin D status of the women.
At the conclusion of the study, researchers found an association between low vitamin D status and progression to World Health Organization HIV stage III disease. Women with low vitamin D status also had a 46 percent increased risk of developing severe anemia. Women with higher vitamin D status had a 42 percent lower risk of mortality from any cause.
Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption in the intestines, which subsequently supports bone growth and prevents osteoporosis in adults. In addition, vitamin D regulates the immune system and certain genes responsible for cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis (cell death).
Vitamin D, which is present in some foods, is also produced by the human body when individuals are exposed to sunlight. It can also be taken in the form of dietary supplement pills for those who are not obtaining enough through these natural means.
If the human body is not producing vitamin D due to lack of exposure to sunlight, the recommended dosage for men and women from 14 to 50 years of age is 5 micrograms per day. For older individuals, higher amounts of vitamin D are recommended.
The results of this study are significant for HIV patients, as further studies on the effects of vitamin D on HIV disease progression could lead to vitamin D becoming recognized as an accessible and economical way of prolonging the initiation of antiretroviral therapy.
For more information please see the PLoS One Web site.
Related Articles:
- Study Links Faster HIV Progression In Women To Increased Immune Response
- Antiretroviral Therapy Is Effective In HIV Positive Women During Pregnancy
- Antiretroviral Therapy Increases Fertility In HIV-Positive Women
- Link Found Between Smoking And Risk For Bacterial Pneumonia
- HAART Associated With A Reduced Risk Of Suicide In HIV-Infected Patients
Leave a comment