Micronutrients Supplements Boost Immunity in HIV Patients

Several studies have reported that micronutrients deficiencies are common among HIV-infected individuals. Therefore, micronutrient supplementation represents a promising, effective and beneficial approach to defer the initiation of expensive, potentially toxic and lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the management of HIV disease. Carrot and Ginger are rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which fight inflammation and boost the immune system. Therefore, Z.P. Joshua and his team conducted a study to evaluate the impact of natural micronutrient supplements (Vitamins A, C, and E, Selenium and Zinc) from carrot-ginger blend on the micronutrient status and counts of T CD4 + lymphocytes of HIV-infected patients on ART.

The researchers included ninety HIV-infected patients attending Special Treatment Clinic in the Kafanchan General Hospital, Kaduna. They randomised 90 patients into three groups of thirty patients each:

♦ Group 1 (Control Group): Received ART alone;

♦ Group 2 (Standard Group): Received ART and ready-to-use commercial micronutrient supplements Registered (SelACE® supplement).

♦ Group 3 (Supplement Group): Received ART and carrot-ginger blend for 90 days.

The researchers assessed the Vitamins A, C and E, selenium, zinc, CD4+ T-cell counts and Body Mass Index (BMI) using standard methods at baseline (0 day), 30 days, 60 days and 90 days respectively.

Key findings of the study:

• At baseline, the researchers found that patients on carrot-ginger blend and SelACE® supplements had a significant (p < 0.05) increase in BMI, CD4+ T-cell counts, serum vitamins A, C, E, selenium and zinc.
• However, they observed no significant difference in patients treated with ART alone when compared to their baseline values.
• After 90 days, they found that patients on the SelACE® supplement had a significant difference in their mean BMI, CD4+ T-cell counts, serum vitamins A, C, E, Selenium and Zinc when compared to patients on carrot-ginger blend.
• Also, they noted a strong positive relationship between CD4+ T-cell counts, micronutrients status and BMI after 90 days of micronutrient supplementation.

The authors concluded, "Micronutrients supplementation is important during ART treatment and carrot-ginger blend could be a beneficial adjunct to patients on ART due to its potential towards improving the immune system and strengthened nutritional status in patients with HIV infection."

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hnm.2021.200133