Abstract

RODRIGUEZ TORO, ELIZABETH. Impact of Micronutrient Deficiency among HIV Positive Patients. Infect. [online]. 2007, vol.11, n.2, pp.78-86. ISSN 0123-9392.

HIV/AIDS infection rates continue expanding all over the world, those living with the virus are estimated at 39.5 million up to the year 2006, according to a United Nations/WHO report. In Colombia, figures for the same year reached 180,000, which is roughly 0.7 % of the population. It has been noticed that micronutrient deficiency varies dramatically. It also depends on the person type and the disease stage. This deficiency contributes to the weakening of the immune system and physical health worsening. The cause of this deficiency can be traced down to: low nutritional intake, low absorption and metabolic disorders. Some of the most commonly studied micronutrients are vitamin A, E and B-complex, as well as zinc, selenium, and copper. A deficiency in any of them influences greatly the immune system, stressing the already existing immune deficiency caused by the HIV. There are no clear estimates of the recommended micronutrient amounts for HIV/AIDS patients. It is therefore imperative to ensure a diet with the same micronutrient balance as recommended for the healthy population. This diet provides a safe and economical treatment in order to slow down the HIV/AIDS infection progress.

Keywords : micronutrientes; VIH; sida.