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New
Study shows British vitamin supplement may be effective in slowing the
progression to death Among HIV–infected individuals
As the developing world’s continuing fight against AIDS is highlighted
by campaigners on the forthcoming World’s Aids Day, new research
published in the November issue of AIDS, the Official Journal of the
International AIDS Society, suggests that a vitamin supplement available
on the British high street may help significantly reduce the mortality
rate of HIV-infected patients with CD4 cell counts below 200 per
microlitre.
This is the first randomised trial to show a clinical benefit – a
reduction in deaths - as a result of multiple micronutrient
supplementation and illustrates that nutrients, which are both readily
available and cost effective, could play an important role in the global
fight against HIV/AIDS.
A total of 481 HIV-infected men and women took part in the trial based in
Thailand, and were asked to take Immunace, a commercially available
supplement which contains a comprehensive mix of vitamins and
micronutrients. Trial Participants were followed-up every 12 weeks for a
total of 48 weeks.
The results at 48 weeks showed that the rate among HIV-infected adults
with CD4 counts below 200 who took the nutrient product was significantly
lower than those who took placebo. There was no impact on CD4 count or
plasma viral load.
Whist earlier observational studies have pointed to a link between
micronutrient deficiencies in HIV-infected individuals and a faster
progression to death, this study is the first to assess the effect of
supplementation on death rates. The study also highlights the need to
measure actual clinical benefits in individuals taking micronutrient
supplements rather than simply looking for changes in biochemical markers.
Dr Shabbar Jaffar, of The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine,
who lead the research team, “More research is needed to establish the
mechanism for increased survival with micronutrients.” He adds “These
results could have important implications for public health and the
treatment and care of HIV-infected individuals in developing countries
where nutritional deficiencies and access to potent antiretroviral
combinations remain limited”.
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