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Review
. 2010 Jun;2(6):626-51.
doi: 10.3390/nu2060626. Epub 2010 Jun 2.

Micronutrients, N-acetyl cysteine, probiotics and prebiotics, a review of effectiveness in reducing HIV progression

Ruben Hummelen  1 , Jaimie Hemsworth, Gregor Reid
Affiliations
Review

Micronutrients, N-acetyl cysteine, probiotics and prebiotics, a review of effectiveness in reducing HIV progression

Ruben Hummelen et al. Nutrients. 2010 Jun.

Abstract

Low serum concentrations of micronutrients, intestinal abnormalities, and an inflammatory state have been associated with HIV progression. These may be ameliorated by micronutrients, N-acetyl cysteine, probiotics, and prebiotics. This review aims to integrate the evidence from clinical trials of these interventions on the progression of HIV. Vitamin B, C, E, and folic acid have been shown to delay the progression of HIV. Supplementation with selenium, N-acetyl cysteine, probiotics, and prebiotics has considerable potential, but the evidence needs to be further substantiated. Vitamin A, iron, and zinc have been associated with adverse effects and caution is warranted for their use.

Keywords: AIDS; HIV; N-acetyl cysteine; micronutrients; prebiotics; probiotics; selenium; zinc.

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