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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Selenium supplements may help keep HIV infections from getting worse.
HIV patients can have selenium deficiencies, and there is evidence from previous studies suggesting selenium supplements can improve immune functioning. Researchers from the University of Miami set out to understand how taking selenium supplements would affect HIV patients.
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Study participants took either a capsule of 200 micrograms of high-selenium yeast or a placebo. Results reveal the two groups had similar levels of selenium when the study started. After nine months of treatment, the average change in blood selenium was higher in the treatment group, which predicted a decreased HIV viral load and, in turn, predicted increased CD4 count -- a measure of the state of the immune system. The lower the CD4 count, the more likely a patient is to develop secondary infections or illnesses.
Study authors write they are not sure exactly how selenium works in HIV patients. One theory is the supplement's antioxidant properties may repair oxygen damage to immune system cells.
Currently, HIV patients live longer because of new antiretroviral medication. Patients must strictly stick to the therapy for it to work and often suffer unwanted side effects.
The authors conclude, "Given the challenges of using conventional pharmacotherapy to achieve and maintain virologic suppression in HIV-spectrum disease, our results support the use of selenium as a simple, inexpensive and safe adjunct therapy."
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: Archives of Internal Medicine, 2007;167:148-154
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