Author(s)

Joshua HK. Banda

Affiliation(s)

Apex Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia.

Corresponding Author

Joshua HK. Banda

ABSTRACT

Micronutrient deficiencies are a major concern for people living with HIV, as they are closely linked to immune dysregulation, accelerated disease progression, and increased susceptibility to infections and other comorbidities. The immune system of people with HIV is often compromised, and this dysfunction is exacerbated by inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Essential micronutrients, such as vitamins A, C, D, and E, and minerals such as zinc, selenium, iron, and magnesium, play an essential role in supporting immune function, reducing inflammation, and maintaining overall health. . Disruption of micronutrient homeostasis can impair the activity of immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and macrophages, resulting in suboptimal immune responses and increased risk of opportunistic infections.

This article provides a comprehensive review of the relationship between micronutrient deficiencies and immune dysregulation in HIV-infected individuals, focusing on the mechanisms by which nutrient deficiencies may exacerbate immune dysfunction. We examine how specific micronutrients contribute to immune responses, oxidative stress and inflammatory processes that are essential in the context of HIV. The review also explores the impact of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies on the effectiveness of antiretroviral treatment (ART), highlighting the importance of nutritional support as a complementary strategy to ART.

Dietary interventions, including micronutrient supplementation and food fortification, are considered promising strategies to restore micronutrient levels, support immune function, and improve clinical outcomes in people living with HIV. A synthesis of clinical trials, observational studies and systematic reviews shows the potential benefits of micronutrient supplementation to improve immune responses, reduce inflammation, prevent infection and improve general well-being in people with HIV. In addition, the review addresses the challenges and limitations of micronutrient interventions, such as variability in individual responses, the need for personalized supplementation, and the impact of food insecurity in resource-limited settings. In light of these findings, the study also provides recommendations for public health policies and health care strategies to address micronutrient deficiencies in HIV care. These recommendations emphasize the importance of routine screening for micronutrient deficiencies, integration of nutritional assessments into HIV care, and the development of integrated programs that combine antiretroviral treatment with micronutrient supplementation and dietary education. In conclusion, addressing micronutrient deficiencies in HIV care is an essential component to enhance immune restoration, improve long-term health outcomes, and ultimately support the quality of life of people living with HIV.

KEYWORDS

Micronutrients; HIV progression; Immune function & nutritional interventions

CITE THIS PAPER

Joshua HK. Banda. Micronutrient deficiencies and immune dysregulation in HIV: exploring dietary interventions for immune restoration and long-term health outcomes. Journal of Biotechnology and Food Science. 2025, 2(1): 1-16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/jbfs3005.

REFERENCES

[1] Kwarisiima D, Kegeles S, Kibuuka S. Micronutrient status and HIV disease progression: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS Research and Therapy, 2015, 12(1): 1-7. DOI: 10.1186/s12981-015-0046-7.

[2] Semba RD, Tang AM. Micronutrients and the pathogenesis of HIV/AIDS: Vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc’, The Journal of Nutrition, 2005, 135(5): 1068-1073.

[3] Baum MK, Shor-Posner G, Lu Y. Micronutrient deficiencies and HIV disease progression. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 2013, 24(1: 1-10. DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2012.09.002.

[4] Prasad AS. Zinc in human health: Effect of zinc on immune cells. Molecular Medicine, 2008, 14(5-6): 347-356. DOI: 10.2119/2008-00062.

[5] Beisel WR. Vitamin A and immune function: The role of mucosal immunity. The Journal of Nutrition, 2002, 132(4): 877-881.

[6] Kamal S, Anwar J, Waqar N. Vitamin C and immune function in HIV: A review. Journal of Clinical Immunology, 2003, 23(3): 254-261. DOI: 10.1007/s10875-003-1912-4.

[7] Wanke CA, Harrington J. Micronutrient supplementation and HIV disease progression: Evidence from clinical trials. Current HIV/AIDS Reports, 2008, 5(3): 169-176. DOI: 10.1007/s11904-008-0028-2.

[8] Fawzi WW, Ibrahim IE. Micronutrient deficiencies and HIV progression: The role of vitamins and minerals in immune function. Current HIV/AIDS Reports, 2001, 8(1): 25-34. DOI: 10.1007/s11904-010-0069-2.

[9] Mehta S, Gross R, Kafuku A. Vitamin D and its effects on HIV progression and immune function. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 2010, 54(2): 108-116. DOI: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e3181eec6da.