Can Micronutrient Supplementation heighten the health of Hiv Patients?

People infected with Hiv may benefit from micronutrient supplementation, agreeing to a report published in the February 2007, issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The main focus of this report was with Hiv-infected persons not receiving very active antiretroviral therapy (Haart), but also reports that additional study of those receiving Haart may show benefits as well because Haart therapy is shown to deplete many micronutrients in the body.

Hiv medications are relatively easy to derive in developed countries, but only 1 in 7 in Asian countries and 1 in 10 in African countries have access to Hiv antiviral drugs. Micronutrient deficiencies are ordinarily observed in those with developed Hiv disease and are related with higher risk of disease progression and mortality. In those receiving Haart, immunologic function is restored but these drugs do not eliminate weight loss and wasting. Because of these factors, micronutrient supplementation can be an cheap way to improve quality of life and possibly sacrifice condition care expenditures in those suffering from developed stages of Hiv disease as well as those who continue to suffer from disease effects not treated by Haart therapy.

Hiv Antiretroviral Drugs

In one placebo-controlled study, Hiv-infected patients were given Vitamins A, C, and E for six months. At the beginning of the test, all patients had lower levels of these foremost nutrients when compared to a group of Hiv-negative salutary volunteers. At the end of the study, the levels of these nutrients were normal in the patients given supplementation and not in the placebo group. The study also showed that the supplemented group had substantially good antioxidant defenses and lower levels of oxidative stress than the placebo group.

Because Hiv medications have a direct result on the synthesis and metabolism of micronutrients in the body, restoring these depleted levels straight through dietary supplementation may also furnish expansive benefit for those on Haart therapy. A small study showed that greater intake of Vitamin E in adults receiving Haart reduced the outcome of Haart-related complications which comprise body fat redistribution, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Other studies have been shown to stimulate glutathione peroxidase operation and reduction of oxidative stress.

Such studies demonstrate the principal need for optimal nutritional reserve in Hiv-infected people. It also calls for the need of additional studies to furnish additional validation and solutions for citizen not able to receive Haart therapy as well as to reserve and improve the allembracing condition of those who are on Haart therapy. The long-term benefits may be seen in reduced condition care expenditures, around the world, as well as improved quality of life for those suffering from the effects of Hiv infection.

Can Micronutrient Supplementation heighten the health of Hiv Patients?

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