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Published on: May 30, 2013
Vitamins and immunomodulation in AIDS
B Liang1, S Chung, M Araghiniknam
1Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson 85724, USA.
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is linked to nutritional deficiencies. Supplementing vitamins like A, E, and B12 can slow immune dysfunction progression in AIDS patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Virology
Background:
- Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) results from retrovirus infection, leading to progressive immunosuppression.
- Vitamins are crucial co-factors for optimal immune system function and disease resistance.
- AIDS patients often exhibit immunological and nutritional modifications, including low vitamin levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize immunological and nutritional changes in AIDS.
- To analyze the impact of retrovirus infection on vitamin status as a co-factor in AIDS development.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of vitamins in managing immune dysfunction in AIDS.
Main Methods:
- Review of immunological and nutritional modifications in AIDS.
- Analysis of retrovirus infection effects on vitamin status.
- Evaluation of immunoenhancing vitamins (A, B6, B12, C, E, beta-carotene) in relation to immunodeficiency.
- Review of interactions between vitamins and the immune system in human and animal AIDS models.
Main Results:
- Retrovirus infection can cause nutritional deficiencies that worsen immune damage.
- Vitamin A, E, and B12 deficiencies accelerated AIDS progression and T cell reduction.
- Normalization of these vitamins retarded the development of immune dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional deficiencies, particularly low levels of vitamins A, E, and B12, exacerbate immune damage in AIDS.
- Vitamins possess immunoenhancing and antioxidative properties beneficial for AIDS patients.
- Vitamins may play a therapeutic role in managing immune dysfunctions associated with AIDS.
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