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Micronutrients
& HIV Infection (ISBN 0-8493-0085-1) is edited by Henrik Friis a Denmark
medical doctor with a PhD from the University of Copenhagen. Dr. Friis'
research in the field of nutrition relates to growth and body composition,
reproduction, geophagy and infectious diseases.
This book offers background
research information on micronutrients for both researchers and clinicians
interested in micronutrients and HIV infection. Each chapter has different
authors who present knowledge of the micronutrient covered. The book begins
with an introduction to micronutrients and infections, offers information
on nutritionally acquired immune deficiency syndromes and follows with
information on oxidative stress and infections. The following six chapters
cover vitamin A, carotenoids, B vitamins, vitamins C and E, iron, zinc
and selenium. The last two chapters discuss "Micronutrients in the case
management of HIV infection" and "Micronutrient Interventions and the HIV
Pandemic."
Chapter Two authored by
William Beisel emphasizes Nutritionally Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes,
which occur as an immunologic consequence of protein-energy malnutrition
or vitamin deficiencies. Several nutrients are highlighted including provitamin
A carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin B-complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron,
zinc and polyunsaturated fatty acids. A table within this chapter notes
the effects of micronutrient intakes larger than the Recommended Dietary
Allowances.
Johane Allard covers oxidative
stress and infections in Chapter Three noting the generation of and role
of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Allard explains about damage from the
excessive production of ROS and reviews the use of antioxidants during
the pathogenesis of viral infections including HIV. The 30-page chapter
includes 166 references.
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Richard Semba who is
well known for his research on the subject matter wrote Chapter Four on
vitamin A, carotenoids and HIV. Semba provides a historical background
of vitamin A and reviews adverse outcomes associated with vitamin A deficiency
and poor carotenoid status during the course of HIV infection. He also
covers the epidemiology, metabolism, biological functions, pathophysiology
of deficiency, assessment of vitamin A and carotenoid status and the prevention
of vitamin A deficiency. Semba concludes the chapter by noting that while
supplementation of the nutrient may be useful in HIV-positive children
and pregnant women who live in underdeveloped countries, it seems to be
of little use for people in industrialized countries.
Chapter Five (B Vitamins
and HIV Infection) is written by Miriam Garland and Wafaie Fawzi both at
the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, MA. The authors begin by
reviewing the history, biological functions and dietary sources of the
B vitamins. They then address HIV infection discussing serum levels of
B vitamins in HIV infection and their relationship to HIV disease progression.
Numerous studies of B vitamins conducted among HIV-positive people provide
information that helps the authors conclude that these vitamins are most
useful administered to those in the developing world.
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