During the XVIII International AIDS Conference, researchers at Florida International University, in Miami, and other institutions in the US and Botswana reported the benefits of micronutrients.

First, the details.

• 875 HIV+ adults (not receiving treatment and CD4+ count less than 350 cell/mm3) were randomly assigned to a treatment group for 24 months.
  • Supplementation with B-complex, vitamins C and E, and selenium
  • Placebo
• The primary endpoint was a drop of CD4+ count to less than 250 cells/mm3.
  • A decline in CD4 cells (a type of white blood cell with CD4 cell on the surface) is used to assess declining immune status and the need to start treatment.
• CD4+ cell count was determined every 3 months and HIV-viral load every 6 months.
• Questionnaires, pill-counts, and blood levels of micronutrients were used to assess adherence to supplement treatment.

And, the results.

• Supplementation with micronutrients prolonged the time it took for the CD4+ count to go lower than 250 cells/mm3 compared to placebo — a significant difference.
• The supplements were well tolerated.
• Adherence to supplementation was 98%.

The bottom line?

The authors concluded, “This evidence supports the use of micronutrient supplementation as an effective intervention in HIV+ adults in early stages of the disease in Botswana.”

7/27/10 23:15 JR