| Popis: |
Various vitamins and minerals play roles in HIV infection. There is evidence that a number of HIV+ patients suffer from deficiencies in vitamins B12, B6, A, and D; folate, zinc and selenium; and carotenoids such as beta-carotene, betacryptoxanthin, and lutein. Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in peripheral neuropathy, encephalopathy, cognitive dysfunction and anemia. Lowered levels of vitamins B6 and A can lead to impaired immune function and, in the latter, an increased rate of perinatal transmission. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to weight loss and wasting. Folate deficiencies are related to anemia, and low levels of zinc and/or selenium have been linked to impaired immune function. Information on the carotenoids, which have been found to be associated with cellular immune function, is mostly derived from recent research. Studies have shown that the levels of carotenoids are decreased in HIV+ people even in the early stages of infection, but the greatest deficiencies appeared in patients with the most advanced disease. Other clinical trials seem to indicate that administration of beta-carotene improves immune function, causing an increase in CD4 counts over baseline levels. Clinical trials conducted in response to all of these deficiencies have found multivitamin supplementation to be beneficial. Therefore, it is recommended that all HIV-infected patients receive a multivitamin supplement to assist in reversing the damage caused by these vitamin and mineral deficiencies. |
