Micronutrient profiles in HIV-1-infected heterosexual adults

Many HIV-infected people may develop nutritional deficiencies that can be prevented with vitamin supplements. Researchers measured the level of 22 nutrients in blood samples from 64 HIV-positive people and 33 healthy HIV-negative people (the control group). Nineteen of the HIV-positive participants had AIDS, 18 had symptoms of HIV infection and 27 were asymptomatic. Compared to the control group, HIV-positive patients had lower blood levels of antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E as well as carotene and glutathione. They also had lower magnesium levels. However, they were more likely to have high blood levels of choline and niacin. Those who were taking vitamins had higher levels of B vitamins and vitamin C than those who were not. However, 29% of those who took vitamins still had low blood levels of at least one antioxidant. AIDS patients were more likely to have low blood antioxidant levels than those who were asymptomatic.