Supplements

a woman eating a cracker

There is currently some evidence that taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement might help reduce the speed at which HIV progresses and the severity of illness it causes. But much of the research has been done in countries where people are already lacking in vitamins and minerals in their diets (for example because they are not able to eat a varied, balanced diet).

More research is needed to find out what the effects are of taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement if you already have healthy levels of vitamins and minerals in your body. Taking high doses of individual vitamins and minerals is not recommended as they might become toxic, especially Vitamins A, C, E, B6, Zinc and Selenium.

Herbal remedies are also widely used by people with HIV. However, large doses of herbal supplements such as garlic, African potatoes (Hypoxis), Sutherlandia and St. John’s wort, might interact with some antiretroviral drugs and hence reduce the effectiveness of those drugs.

Although dietary supplements might be beneficial in some instances, it is best to consult your GP or dietitian before you start taking them.

 

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The Information Standard: Certified member

This article was last reviewed on 31/10/2012 by P. Kelly

Date due for the next review: 30/9/2014

Content Author: Katie Smith

Current Owner: Food Chain

More information:

Friis, Henrik. Micronutrient interventions and HIV infection: a review of current evidence, DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2006.01740.x (2006)

Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal supplements, NAM aidsmap (2010)

Mills E. et. al. African herbal medicines in the treatment of HIV: Hypoxis and Sutherlandia. An overview of evidence and pharmacology, McMaster University, University of Ottawa, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Canada; Rhodes University, South Africa, Nutr J doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-4-19 (2005)

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