245441 Therapeutic nutritional supplementation for HIV patients

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Gary Samuelson, PhD , University of Utah, Sandy, UT
Issues: Micronutrient supplements have been proposed as low-cost immuno-modulating interventions that may improve the quality of life of HIV/ AIDS patients. Multivitamins may significantly reduced oral and gastrointestinal manifestations of HIV disease. Other benefits may include significant reductions in reported fatigue, rash, and acute upper respiratory tract infections. There may be a relationship between suboptimal micronutrient status and multivitamin use and quality of life in HIV patients. This has been noted in several observational studies. Micronutrients may protect the integrity of oral and gastrointestinal epithelia and enhance local and systemic immunity. These nutrients may enhance immune function, as measured by the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Description: We propose a panel discussion on the use of nutritional supplements as an adjunctive support for the improvement of function among AIDS patients. We will present study data from a harm reduction clinic that illustrate improvement in health status and functioning among HIV patients. Lessons Learned: We will share observational data on the use of nutritional supplements in the reduction of oral ulcers, difficult or painful swallowing and fatigue. There is also a significant reduction of symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea among HIV patients. Recommendations: The results of our work in the harm reduction clinic with the use of micronutrients among HIV patients may guide the support programs being given to HIV/AIDS patients. This may guide policymakers on the use of nutritional supplements as adjunctive support to enhance the quality of life especially those from vulnerable populations.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Public health or related nursing
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Identify key issues associated with the use of micronutrients among HIV patients Explain how the use of micronutrients may improve functioning and health status among HIV patients Evaluate the various micronutrients work for the type of symptoms associated with immunocompromised HIV patients

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I have conducted research on clinical nutrition.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.