B Vitamins, Selenium and Spirulina may help HIV patients live longer

HIV positive individuals may find long term benefits from using dietary supplements in combination with antiretroviral medication.

A midterm report of a study conducted by the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society showed that body mass index and hemoglobin count improved in HIV positive individuals that used nutritional supplements with antiretroviral therapy.

Body mass index is a calculation of percentage of body fat, and hemoglobin levels are proteins in red blood cells that carry oxygen.

Low body mass index and low hemoglobin levels are often problematic in those with HIV. Low hemoglobin levels can increase the risk of developing anemia, a condition in which red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood are below normal. Anemia can often be caused by shortage of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid.

According to a study published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, over 50 percent of people with HIV use alternative therapies, such as herbal medicines and dietary supplements.

Research has shown that B vitamins, selenium, and spirulina are three supplements that can be beneficial for HIV patients.


VITAMIN B
Vitamin B12 deficiency has been associated with decreasing CD4+ cells, which are white blood cells that help fight infection in the body. Some studies have shown that without supplements, up to 95 percent of those with HIV may have B12 deficiencies. Vitamin B6 has also been shown to improve CD4+ cell counts.

According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin B12 can be obtained from eating one chicken breast, one hard boiled egg, and one cup of plain non-fat yogurt daily.


SELENIUM
Selenium also helps strengthen the immune systems by creating antioxidants that protect the body from invaders that may damage cells. Eating foods and supplements with antioxidants are beneficial for HIV positive individuals. Beans, blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries have high levels of antioxidants.

In a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine, the supplement selenium was found to reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and increase CD4+ cell levels.

Participants who took 200 micrograms of selenium daily for nine months had a 12 percent decrease in viral loads. Participants in the control group, who were not given selenium, experienced increased viral loads and decreased CD4 levels in the same nine month period of time.

Brazil nuts, tuna, and beef are common foods that contain selenium. Brazil nuts are the highest with up to 544 micrograms per ounce. However, because of the high presence of this supplement, it is recommended that people watch their intake of these nuts.


SPIRULINA
Spirulina has also been proven beneficial by multiple research studies. Spirulina is blue – green alga that contains vitamin A, vitamin B1, B6, B12, vitamin C, proteins, and minerals.

A study published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome found that the use of spirulina inhibited HIV replication in the blood. Taking extract concentrations between 0.3 and 1.2 micrograms per milliliter reduced viral production by about 50 percent.

Spirulina can be found at most health food stores in a powder form, which can easily be added to smoothies or drinks.