HIV and AIDS Support (Holistic)
About This Condition
- Mix in a multi
Take a daily multivitamin supplement to prevent common deficiencies associated with the disease
- Try selenium supplements
Taking 400 mcg a day of selenium under a doctor’s supervision can result in fewer infections, a healthier appetite, and other benefits
- Get to know NAC
Take 800 mg a day of the supplement N-acetyl cysteine to slow the decline in immune function
- Discover boxwood
Support CD4 cell counts by taking 990 mg a day of this herbal extract containing leaves and stems
- Work in a workout
Slow HIV progression by exercising three to four times each week
About This Condition
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a condition in which the immune system becomes severely weakened and loses its ability to fight infections.
Although some scientists have questioned whether or not the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has actually been proven to cause AIDS,1, 2, 3 most researchers do believe that HIV causes AIDS.
AIDS is an extremely complex disorder, and no cure is currently available. Certain drugs appear to be capable of slowing the progression of the disease. In addition, various nutritional factors may be helpful. However, because of the complicated nature of this disorder, medical supervision is strongly recommended with regard to dietary changes and nutritional supplements. People who have been infected with HIV are hereafter referred to as “HIV-positive.”
Symptoms
HIV causes a broad spectrum of clinical problems, which often mimic other diseases. Within a few weeks of infection, some people may experience flu-like signs and symptoms, including fever, malaise, rash, joint pain, and generalized swelling of the lymph nodes. These acute manifestations usually disappear, and many people remain asymptomatic for long periods. AIDS, the clinical syndrome associated with HIV infection, produces symptoms throughout the body related to opportunistic infections, tumors, and other immune-deficiency complications.
Healthy Lifestyle Tips
Loss of strength and lean body mass are frequent complications in people with AIDS. Drug therapy with anabolic steroids is sometimes used to counteract these losses. Preliminary trials suggest that progressive resistance training (i.e., weight training) may be used as an alternative or adjunct to steroids in this disease. In a preliminary trial, people with HIV who did progressive resistance training three times per week for eight weeks had significant increases in their lean body mass.4 Exercise of any type three to four times per week or more has been associated with slower progression to AIDS at one year and with a slower progression to death from AIDS at one year in men.5
The right diet is the key to managing many diseases and to improving general quality of life. For this condition, scientific research has found benefit in the following healthy eating tips.
| Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|
| Ensure adequate nutrition | People with AIDS often lose significant amounts of weight or suffer from diarrhea. A diet high in protein and total calories, preferably from whole, nonrefined foods, may help maintain body weight. People with AIDS often lose significant amounts of weight or suffer from recurrent diarrhea. A diet high in protein and total calories may help a person maintain his or her body weight. In addition, whole foods are preferable to refined and processed foods. Whole foods contain larger amounts of many vitamins and minerals, and people with HIV infection tend to suffer from multiple nutritional deficiencies. Nonetheless, no evidence currently suggests that dietary changes are curative for people with AIDS, or even that they significantly influence the course of the disease. In fact, a controlled trial comparing the efficacy of three nutritional regimens in the prevention of weight loss in HIV-positive people found no benefit from increasing caloric intake. A 500-calorie per day caloric supplement with fatty acids plus a multivitamin and minerals did not promote increases in body weight beyond that offered by a multivitamin-mineral supplement alone. |
| Go gluten-free | Choose from a wide array of gluten substitutes and forego foods made with wheat, rye, barley, or oats to reduce symptoms of diarrhea. AIDS-related weight loss and chronic diarrhea are sometimes the result of abnormal intestinal function in the absence of an infectious organism. This condition, called “HIV enteropathy” (pronounced “en-ter-OP-a-thee”), may respond to a gluten-free diet. In a preliminary trial, men with HIV enteropathy were given a gluten-free diet for one week. During that week, the number of episodes of diarrhea decreased by nearly 40%. When gluten-containing foods were re-introduced for a week, the diarrhea returned. When they were eliminated a second time, again for one week, the episodes of diarrhea were again reduced. Participants in the study also experienced significant weight gain during the gluten-free periods. |
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
| Supplement | Why |
|---|---|
2 Stars Arginine, HMB, and Glutamine (Loss of Lean Body Mass) 1.5 grams of HMB, 7 grams of L-glutamine, and 7 grams of L-arginine twice per day | The combination of glutamine, arginine, and HMB may prevent loss of lean body mass in people with AIDS-associated wasting. The combination of glutamine, arginine, and the amino acid derivative, hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB), may prevent loss of lean body mass in people with AIDS-associated wasting. In a double-blind trial, AIDS patients who had lost 5% of their body weight in the previous three months received either placebo or a nutrient mixture containing 1.5 grams of HMB, 7 grams of L-glutamine, and 7 grams of L-arginine twice daily for eight weeks. Those supplemented with placebo gained an average of 0.37 pounds, mostly fat, but lost lean body mass. Those taking the nutrient mixture gained an average of 3 pounds, 85% of which was lean body weight. |
2 Stars Boxwood 990 mg per day of an extract of the leaves and stems | Supplementing with boxwood appears to support CD4 cell counts. One double-blind trial has found that 990 mg per day of an extract of the leaves and stems of boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) could delay the progression of HIV infection (as measured by a decline in CD4 cell counts). No adverse effects directly attributable to the extract were reported. Taking twice the amount of boxwood extract did not lead to further benefits and may have actually decreased its usefulness. |
2 Stars DHEA 200 to 500 mg daily | Large amounts of supplemental DHEA may alleviate fatigue in HIV-positive people. A deficient level of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in the blood is associated with poor outcomes in people with HIV. Large amounts of supplemental DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) may alleviate fatigue and depression in HIV-positive men and women. In a preliminary trial, men and women with HIV infection took 200–500 mg of DHEA per day for eight weeks. All participants initially had both low mood and low energy. After eight weeks of DHEA supplementation, 72% of the participants reported their mood to be “much improved” or “very much improved,” and 81% reported having significant improvements in energy level. DHEA supplementation had no effect on CD4 cell (helper T-cell) counts or testosterone levels. |
2 Stars Licorice Refer to label instructions | Licorice inhibits HIV reproduction in test tubes, supplementing with it may be safe and effective for long-term treatment of HIV infection. Licorice has shown the ability to inhibit reproduction of HIV in test tubes. Clinical trials have shown that injections of glycyrrhizin (isolated from licorice) may have a beneficial effect on AIDS. There is preliminary evidence that orally administered licorice also may be safe and effective for long-term treatment of HIV infection. Amounts of licorice or glycyrrhizin used for treating HIV-positive people warrant monitoring by a physician, because long-term use of these substances can cause high blood pressure, potassium depletion, or other problems. Approximately 2 grams of licorice root should be taken per day in capsules or as tea. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) will not inhibit HIV. |
2 Stars Multivitamin Follow label directions | Taking a daily multivitamin supplement may prevent common deficiencies associated with HIV and AIDS. Because people with HIV infection or AIDS often have multiple nutritional deficiencies, a broad-spectrum nutritional supplement may be beneficial. In one trial, HIV-positive men who took a multivitamin-mineral supplement had slower onset of AIDS, compared with men who did not take a supplement.Use of a multivitamin by pregnant and breast-feeding Tanzanian women with HIV did not affect the risk of transmission of HIV from mother to child, either in utero, during birth, or from breast-feeding. The effect of multivitamins on people with HIV may be influenced by whether or not they are receiving modern medical therapy, known as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Studies conducted before HAART therapies were used showed that high-dose micronutrient supplements improved immune function, slowed disease progression, and decreased mortality. However, a recent double-blind trial found that, in people using HAART, the use of vitamins in amounts well above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), when compared with RDA amounts, had no effect on disease progression, but may have increased stress on the liver. People who are receiving HAART therapy should consult their doctor regarding the appropriate amounts of vitamins to take. |
2 Stars N-Acetyl Cysteine 800 mg daily | Supplementing with NAC may slow the decline in immune function. The amino acid NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) has been shown to inhibit the replication of HIV in test tube studies. In a double-blind trial, supplementing with 800 mg per day of NAC slowed the rate of decline in immune function in people with HIV infection. NAC also promotes the synthesis of glutathione, a naturally-occurring antioxidant that is believed to be protective in people with HIV infection and AIDS. |
2 Stars Saccharomyces boulardii Take under medical supervision: 1 gram three times per day of Saccharomyces boulardii for diarrhea | In one trial, Saccharomyces boulardii helped stop diarrhea in HIV-positive people. In a double-blind trial, the non-disease-causing yeast Saccharomyces boulardii (1 gram three times per day) helped stop diarrhea in HIV-positive people. However, people with severely compromised immune function have been reported to develop yeast infections in the bloodstream after consuming some yeast organisms that are benign for healthy people. For that reason, people with HIV infection who wish to take Saccharomyces boulardii, brewer’s yeast(Saccharomyces cerevisiae), or other live organisms should first consult a doctor. |
2 Stars Sangre de Drago (Diarrhea) Take under medical supervision: 350 to 700 mg four times per day for seven or more days | An extract from stem bark latex of Sangre de Drago, an herb from the Amazon basin of Peru, has been shown to be effective against diarrhea associated with HIV and AIDS. An extract from stem bark latex of Sangre de Drago (Croton lechleri), an herb from the Amazon basin of Peru, has demonstrated significant anti-diarrheal activity in preliminary and double-blind trials. Additional double-blind research has demonstrated the extract’s effectiveness for diarrhea associated with HIV infection and AIDS. Very high amounts of this extract (350–700 mg four times daily for seven or more days) were used in the studies. Such levels of supplementation should always be supervised by a doctor. Most of this research on Sangre de Drago is unpublished, and much of it is derived from manufacturers of the formula. Further double-blind trials, published in peer-reviewed medical journals, are needed to confirm the efficacy reported in these studies. |
2 Stars Selenium Take under medical supervision: 400 mcg daily | Supplementing with selenium may result in fewer infections, a healthier appetite, and other benefits. Selenium deficiency is an independent factor associated with high mortality among HIV-positive people. HIV-positive people who took selenium supplements experienced fewer infections, better intestinal function, improved appetite, and improved heart function (which had been impaired by the disease) than those who did not take the supplements. The usual amount of selenium taken was 400 mcg per day. Selenium deficiency has been found more often in people with HIV-related cardiomyopathy (heart abnormalities) than in those with HIV and normal heart function. People with HIV-related cardiomyopathy may benefit from selenium supplementation. In a small preliminary trial, people with AIDS and cardiomyopathy, 80% of whom were found to be deficient in selenium, were given 800 mcg of selenium per day for 15 days, followed by 400 mcg per day for eight days. Improvements in heart function were noted after selenium supplementation. People wishing to supplement with more than 200 mcg of selenium per day should be monitored by a doctor. |
2 Stars Zinc 12 to 45 mg daily | Zinc levels are frequently low in people with HIV infection. Zinc supplements have been shown to reduce the number of infections in people with AIDS. Blood levels of both zinc and selenium are frequently low in people with HIV infection. Zinc supplements (45 mg per day) have been shown to reduce the number of infections in people with AIDS. Zinc supplementation (12 mg per day for women, 15 mg per day for men) also slowed the decline in immune function in HIV-infected adults with low blood levels of zinc. |
1 Star Andrographis Refer to label instructions | A trial of isolated andrographolides, found in andrographis, showed that they decreased viral load and increased CD4 lymphocyte levels in people with HIV infection. A preliminary trial of isolated andrographolides, found in andrographis, determined that while they decreased viral load and increased CD4 lymphocyte levels in people with HIV infection, they also caused potentially serious liver problems and changes in taste in many of the participants. It is unknown whether andrographis directly killed HIV or was having an immune-strengthening effect in this trial. |
1 Star Asian Ginseng Refer to label instructions | One study found that steamed then dried Asian ginseng had beneficial effects in people infected with HIV and increased the effectiveness of the anti-HIV drug AZT. Immune-modulating plants that could theoretically be beneficial for people with HIV infection include Asian ginseng, eleuthero, and the medicinal mushrooms shiitake and reishi. One preliminary study found that steamed then dried Asian ginseng (also known as red ginseng) had beneficial effects in people infected with HIV, and increased the effectiveness of the anti-HIV drug, AZT. This supports the idea that immuno-modulating herbs could benefit people with HIV infection, though more research is needed. |
1 Star Beta-Carotene Refer to label instructions | Beta-carotene levels have been found to be low in HIV-positive people, supplementing with it may be beneficial. Caution: Synthetic beta-carotene has been linked to increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. Until more is known, smokers should avoid all beta-carotene supplements. Beta-carotene levels have been found to be low in HIV-positive people, even in those without symptoms. However, trials on the effect of beta-carotene supplements have produced conflicting results. In one double-blind trial, supplementing with 300,000 IU per day of beta-carotene significantly increased the number of CD4+ cells in people with HIV infection. In a second double-blind study, supplementing with natural mixed carotenoids equivalent to 120,000 IU of beta-carotene per day significantly prolonged survival times in adults with advanced AIDS who were also receiving conventional therapy and a multivitamin. In another trial, however, 300,000 IU per day of beta-carotene had no effect on CD4+ cell counts or various other measures of immune function in HIV-infected people. |
1 Star Cat’s Claw Refer to label instructions | Cat’s claw is an immuno-modulating herb. Standardized extracts of it have been shown to help prevent CD4 cell counts from dropping and to prevent opportunistic infections. Cat’s claw is another immuno-modulating herb. Standardized extracts of cat’s claw have been tested in small, preliminary trials in people infected with HIV, showing some benefits in preventing CD4 cell counts from dropping and in preventing opportunistic infections. Further study is needed to determine whether cat’s claw is truly beneficial for people with HIV infection or AIDS. |
1 Star Coenzyme Q10 Refer to label instructions | In one trial, people with HIV who took CoQ10 experienced no further infections for up to seven months, and counts of infection-fighting white blood cells improved in some cases. Blood levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) were also found to be low in people with HIV infection or AIDS. In a small preliminary trial, people with HIV infection took 200 mg per day of CoQ10. Eighty-three percent of these people experienced no further infections for up to seven months, and the counts of infection-fighting white blood cells improved in three cases. |
1 Star Echinacea Refer to label instructions | Supplementing with echinacea may increase immune activity against HIV. A controversy has surrounded the use of echinacea in people infected with HIV. Test tube studies initially showed that echinacea’s polysaccharides could increase levels of a substance that might stimulate HIV to spread. However, these results have not been shown to occur when echinacea is taken orally by humans. In fact, one double-blind trial found that Echinacea angustifolia root (1 gram three times per day by mouth) greatly increased immune activity against HIV, while placebo had no effect. Further studies are needed to determine the safety of using echinacea in HIV-positive people. |
1 Star Eleuthero Refer to label instructions | Eleuthero is an immune-modulating plant that may be beneficial for people with HIV infection. Immune-modulating plants that could theoretically be beneficial for people with HIV infection include Asian ginseng, eleuthero, and the medicinal mushrooms shiitake and reishi. One preliminary study found that steamed then dried Asian ginseng (also known as red ginseng) had beneficial effects in people infected with HIV, and increased the effectiveness of the anti-HIV drug, AZT. This supports the idea that immuno-modulating herbs could benefit people with HIV infection, though more research is needed. |
1 Star Folic Acid Refer to label instructions | Low folic acid levels are also common in HIV-positive people, supplementing may help correct a deficiency. In HIV-positive people with B-vitamin deficiency, the use of B-complex vitamin supplements appears to delay progression to and death from AIDS. Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency has been identified in nearly one-quarter of people with AIDS. It has been suggested that a thiamine deficiency may contribute to some of the neurological abnormalities that are associated with AIDS. Vitamin B6 deficiency was found in more than one-third of HIV-positive men; vitamin B6 deficiency was associated with decreased immune function in this group. In a population study of HIV-positive people, intake of vitamin B6 at more than twice the recommended dietary allowance (RDA is 2 mg per day for men and 1.6 mg per day for women) was associated with improved survival. Low blood levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 are also common in HIV-positive people. |
1 Star Garlic Refer to label instructions | Garlic may help combat opportunistic infections. In one trial, an aged garlic extract reduced the number of infections and relieved diarrhea in a group of patients with AIDS. Garlic may assist in combating opportunistic infections. In one trial, administration of an aged garlic extract reduced the number of infections and relieved diarrhea in a group of patients with AIDS. Garlic’s active constituents have also been shown to kill HIV in the test tube, though these results have not been confirmed in human trials. |
1 Star Glutamine Refer to label instructions | The amino acid glutamine is needed for the synthesis of glutathione, an important antioxidant that is frequently depleted in people with HIV and AIDS. The amino acidglutamine is needed for the synthesis of glutathione, an important antioxidant within cells that is frequently depleted in people with HIV and AIDS. In well-nourished people, the body usually manufactures enough glutamine to prevent a deficiency. However, people with HIV or AIDS are often malnourished and may be deficient in glutamine. In such people, glutamine supplementation may be needed, along with NAC, to maintain adequate levels of glutathione. It is not known how much glutamine is needed for that purpose; however, in other trials, 4–8 grams of glutamine per day was used. In a double-blind trial, massive amounts of glutamine (40 grams per day) in combination with several antioxidants (27,000 IU per day of beta-carotene; 800 mg per day of vitamin C; 280 mcg per day of selenium; 500 IU per day of vitamin E) were given for 12 weeks to AIDS patients experiencing problems maintaining normal weight. Those who took the glutamine-antioxidant combination experienced significant gains in body weight compared with those taking placebo. Larger trials are needed to determine the possible benefits of this nutrient combination on reducing opportunistic infections and long-term mortality. |
1 Star Iron Refer to label instructions | Iron deficiency is often present in HIV-positive children. Supplementing with it, under a doctor's supervision, may support immune function. Iron deficiency is often present in HIV-positive children. While iron is necessary for normal immune function, iron deficiency also appears to protect against certain bacterial infections. Iron supplementation could therefore increase the severity of bacterial infections in people with AIDS. For that reason, people with HIV infection or AIDS should consult a doctor before supplementing with iron. |
1 Star Maitake Refer to label instructions | Maitake mushrooms contain immuno-modulating polysaccharides (including beta-D-glucan) that may be supportive for HIV infection. Maitake mushrooms, which are currently being studied, contain immuno-modulating polysaccharides (including beta-D-glucan) that may be supportive for HIV infection. |
1 Star Methionine Refer to label instructions | One trial found that methionine may improve memory recall in people with AIDS-related nervous system degeneration. People with AIDS have low levels of methionine. Some researchers suggest that these low methionine levels may explain some aspects of the disease process, especially the deterioration that occurs in the nervous system and is responsible for symptoms such as dementia. A preliminary trial found that methionine (6 grams per day) may improve memory recall in people with AIDS-related nervous system degeneration. In a preliminary trial, a thymus extract known as Thymomodulin® improved several immune parameters among people with early HIV infection, including an increase in the number of T-helper cells. |
1 Star Mistletoe Refer to label instructions | Mistletoe injections into the skin have shown beneficial effects in people with HIV. Preliminary human clinical trials of European mistletoe injections into the skin have shown beneficial effects. Oral mistletoe is very unlikely to have the same effects as injected mistletoe. Injectable mistletoe should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. |
1 Star Reishi Refer to label instructions | Reishi is medicinal mushroom with immune-modulating effects that may be beneficial for people with HIV infection. Immune-modulating plants that could theoretically be beneficial for people with HIV infection include Asian ginseng, eleuthero, and the medicinal mushrooms shiitake and reishi. One preliminary study found that steamed then dried Asian ginseng (also known as red ginseng) had beneficial effects in people infected with HIV, and increased the effectiveness of the anti-HIV drug, AZT. This supports the idea that immuno-modulating herbs could benefit people with HIV infection, though more research is needed. |
1 Star Shiitake Refer to label instructions | Shiitake is medicinal mushroom immune-modulating effects that may be beneficial for people with HIV infection. Immune-modulating plants that could theoretically be beneficial for people with HIV infection include Asian ginseng, eleuthero, and the medicinal mushrooms shiitake and reishi. One preliminary study found that steamed then dried Asian ginseng (also known as red ginseng) had beneficial effects in people infected with HIV, and increased the effectiveness of the anti-HIV drug, AZT. This supports the idea that immuno-modulating herbs could benefit people with HIV infection, though more research is needed. |
1 Star Sho-Saiko-To (Bupleurum, Peony, Pinellia, Cassia, Ginger, Jujube, Asian Ginseng, Asian Scullcap, and Licorice) Refer to label instructions | The herbal formula sho-saiko-to has been shown to have beneficial immune effects on white blood cells in people infected with HIV. The Chinese herb bupleurum, as part of the herbal formula sho-saiko-to, has been shown to have beneficial immune effects on white blood cells taken from people infected with HIV. Sho-saiko-to has also been shown to improve the efficacy of the anti-HIV drug lamivudine in the test tube. One preliminary study found that 7 of 13 people with HIV given sho-saiko-to had improvements in immune function. Double-blind trials are needed to determine whether bupleurum or sho-saiko-to might benefit people with HIV infection or AIDS. Other herbs in sho-saiko-to have also been shown to have anti-HIV activity in the test tube, most notably Asian scullcap. Therefore studies on sho-saiko-to cannot be taken to mean that bupleurum is the only active herb involved. The other ingredients are peony root, pinellia root, cassia bark, ginger root, jujube fruit, Asian ginseng root, Asian scullcap root, and licorice root. |
1 Star St. John’s Wort Refer to label instructions | A preliminary trial found that people infected with HIV who took hypericin, a constituent from St. John’s wort, had some improvements in CD4+ cell counts. Caution: It is likely that there are many drug interactions with St. John's wort that have not yet been identified. St. John's wort stimulates a drug-metabolizing enzyme (cytochrome P450 3A4) that metabolizes at least 50% of the drugs on the market. Therefore, it could potentially cause a number of drug interactions that have not yet been reported. People taking any medication should consult with a doctor or pharmacist before taking St. John's wort. A constituent from St. John’s wort known as hypericin has been extensively studied as a potential way to kill HIV. A preliminary trial found that people infected with HIV who took 1 mg of hypericin per day by mouth had some improvements in CD4+ cell counts, particularly if they had not previously used AZT. A small number of people developed signs of mild liver damage in this study. Another much longer preliminary trial used injectable extracts of St. John’s wort twice a week combined with three tablets of a standardized extract of St. John’s wort taken three times per day by mouth. This study found not only improvements in CD4+ counts but only 2 of 16 participants developed opportunistic infections. No liver damage or any other side effects were noted in this trial. In a later study, much higher amounts of injectable or oral hypericin (0.25 mg/kg body weight or higher) led to serious side effects, primarily extreme sensitivity to sunlight. At this point, it is unlikely that isolated hypericin or supplements of St. John’s wort extract supplying very high levels of hypericin can safely be used by people with HIV infection, particularly given St. John’s wort’s many drug interactions. |
1 Star Tea Tree Refer to label instructions | A 5% solution of tea tree oil has been shown to eliminate oral thrush in people with AIDS, according to one trial. A 5% solution of tea tree oil has been shown to eliminate oral thrush in people with AIDS, according to one preliminary trial. The volunteers in the study swished 15 ml of the solution in their mouths four times per day and then spit it out. This may cause mild burning for a short period of time after use. |
1 Star Thymus Extracts Refer to label instructions | In one trial, a thymus extract known as Thymomodulin improved several immune parameters among people with early HIV infection, including an increase in T-helper cells. In a preliminary trial, a thymus extract known as Thymomodulin improved several immune parameters among people with early HIV infection, including an increase in the number of T-helper cells. |
1 Star Turmeric Refer to label instructions | Turmeric may be a useful herb with immune effects in people infected with HIV. One trial found that curcumin, turmeric’s main active compound, helped improve CD4+ cell counts. Turmeric may be another useful herb with immune effects in people infected with HIV. One preliminary trial found that curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, helped improve CD4+ cell counts. The amount used in this study was 1 gram three times per day by mouth. These results differed from those found in a second preliminary trial using 4.8 or 2.7 grams of curcumin daily. In that study, there was no apparent effect of curcumin on HIV replication rates. |
1 Star Vitamin A Refer to label instructions | Vitamin A deficiency is common in people with HIV infection, and low levels of the vitamin are associated with greater disease severity. Ask your doctor if vitamin A is right for you. Vitamin A deficiency appears to be very common in people with HIV infection. Low blood levels of vitamin A are associated with greater disease severity and increased transmission of the virus from a pregnant mother to her infant. However, in preliminary and double-blind trials, supplementation with vitamin A failed to reduce the overall mother-to-child transmission of HIV. HIV-positive women who took 5,000 IU per day of vitamin A (as retinyl palmitate) and 50,000 IU per day of beta-carotene during the third trimester (13 weeks) of pregnancy, plus an additional single amount of 200,000 IU of vitamin A at delivery, had the same rate of transmission of HIV to their infants as those who did not take the supplement. However, lower rates of illness have been observed in the children of HIV-positive mothers when the children were supplemented with 50,000–200,000 IU of vitamin A every two to three months. Little research has explored whether vitamin A supplements are helpful at halting disease progression. HIV-positive children given two consecutive oral supplements of vitamin A (200,000 IU in a gelcap) in the two days following influenza vaccinations had a modest but significant decrease in viral load. In one trial, giving people an extremely high (300,000 IU) amount of vitamin A one time only did not improve short-term measures of immunity in women with HIV. |
1 Star Vitamin B1 Refer to label instructions | People with AIDS often have thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, which may contribute to some neurological abnormalities, supplementing with the vitamin may help. In HIV-positive people with B-vitamin deficiency, the use of B-complex vitamin supplements appears to delay progression to and death from AIDS. Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency has been identified in nearly one-quarter of people with AIDS. It has been suggested that a thiamine deficiency may contribute to some of the neurological abnormalities that are associated with AIDS. Vitamin B6 deficiency was found in more than one-third of HIV-positive men; vitamin B6 deficiency was associated with decreased immune function in this group. In a population study of HIV-positive people, intake of vitamin B6 at more than twice the recommended dietary allowance (RDA is 2 mg per day for men and 1.6 mg per day for women) was associated with improved survival. Low blood levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 are also common in HIV-positive people. |
1 Star Vitamin B12 Refer to label instructions | In HIV-positive people with B-vitamin deficiency, B vitamins appear to delay progression to and death from AIDS. In HIV-positive people with B-vitamin deficiency, the use of B-complex vitamin supplements appears to delay progression to and death from AIDS. Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency has been identified in nearly one-quarter of people with AIDS. It has been suggested that a thiamine deficiency may contribute to some of the neurological abnormalities that are associated with AIDS. Vitamin B6 deficiency was found in more than one-third of HIV-positive men; vitamin B6 deficiency was associated with decreased immune function in this group. In a population study of HIV-positive people, intake of vitamin B6 at more than twice the recommended dietary allowance (RDA is 2 mg per day for men and 1.6 mg per day for women) was associated with improved survival. Low blood levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 are also common in HIV-positive people. |
1 Star Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Refer to label instructions | Vitamin B3 may play a role in HIV prevention and treatment. A form of vitamin B3 (niacinamide) has been shown to inhibit HIV in test tube studies. Preliminary observations suggest a possible role for vitamin B3 in HIV prevention and treatment. A form of vitamin B3 (niacinamide) has been shown to inhibit HIV in test tube studies. However, no published data have shown vitamin B3 to inhibit HIV in animals or in people. One study did show that HIV-positive people who consume more than 64 mg of vitamin B3 per day have a decreased risk of progression to AIDS or AIDS-related death. Clinical trials in humans are required to validate these preliminary observations. |
1 Star Vitamin B6 Refer to label instructions | Vitamin B6 deficiency was found in more than one-third of HIV-positive men, deficiency was associated with decreased immune function in this group. Supplementing with the vitamin may improve survival rate. In HIV-positive people with B-vitamin deficiency, the use of B-complex vitamin supplements appears to delay progression to and death from AIDS. Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency has been identified in nearly one-quarter of people with AIDS. It has been suggested that a thiamine deficiency may contribute to some of the neurological abnormalities that are associated with AIDS. Vitamin B6 deficiency was found in more than one-third of HIV-positive men; vitamin B6 deficiency was associated with decreased immune function in this group. In a population study of HIV-positive people, intake of vitamin B6 at more than twice the recommended dietary allowance (RDA is 2 mg per day for men and 1.6 mg per day for women) was associated with improved survival. Low blood levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 are also common in HIV-positive people. |
1 Star Vitamin E Refer to label instructions | In test-tube studies, vitamin E improved the effectiveness of the anti-HIV drug zidovudine (AZT) while reducing its toxicity. In test-tube studies, vitamin E improved the effectiveness of the anti-HIV drug zidovudine (AZT) while reducing its toxicity.Similarly, animal research suggests that zinc and NAC supplementation may protect against AZT toxicity. It is not known whether oral supplementation with these nutrients would have similar effects in people taking AZT. |
1 Star Whey Protein Refer to label instructions | Whey protein is rich in the amino acid cysteine, which the body uses to make glutathione, an important antioxidant. Supplementing with it may improve immune function. Whey protein is rich in the amino acid cysteine, which the body uses to make glutathione, an important antioxidant. A double-blind trial showed that 45 grams per day of whey protein increased blood glutathione levels in a group of HIV-infected people. Test tube and animal studies suggest that whey protein may improve some aspects of immune function. |
1. The Group for the Scientific Reappraisal of the HIV/AIDS Hypothesis. AIDS Proposal. Science 1995;267:945-6.
2. Duesberg PH. Inventing the AIDS Virus. Washington, DC: Regnery Publishing, Inc., 1996.
3. Maggiore C, Mullis K. What if everything you thought you knew about AIDS was wrong? Studio City, CA: American Foundation for AIDS Alternatives, 2000.
4. Roubenoff R, McDermott A, Weiss L, et al. Short-term progressive resistance training increases strength and lean body mass in adults infected with human immunodeficiency virus. AIDS 1999;13:231-9.
5. Mustafa T, Sy FS, Macera CA, et al. Association between exercise and HIV disease progression in a cohort of homosexual men. Ann Epidemiol 1999;9:127-31.
Last Review: 06-05-2015
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.
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