ABSTRACT
The worldwide prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was estimated to be 35 million in 2012. This chapter examines the evidence regarding antioxidant supplementation in adults and children living with HIV. It reviews supplementation trials of antioxidant micronutrients vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium, delivered alone or in combination. Trials in the United States, South Africa, Uganda, and India have investigated the effects of zinc supplementation among children with HIV infection. Supplementation with vitamins C and E significantly decreased biomarkers of lipid peroxidation. In Tanzania, pregnant women with HIV were recruited between 12 and 27 weeks gestation and randomized to receive either 200 pg selenium daily or a placebo supplement. Antioxidant supplementation trials among people living with HIV have been heterogeneous in design and have yielded somewhat conflicting results. Children who received zinc and placebo had similar CD4%, viral load, anthropometric indicators, and morbidities.
