The role of micronutrients in the diet of HIV-1-infected individuals

Vitamins, zinc and selenium are important micronutrients that play crucialfunctions at the cellular and molecular level. Immune response of severaldifferent cell types can be modulated by these micronutrients. Deficiency inmicronutrients has been extensively reported in HIV-1-infected individuals andfurther correlated with CD4+ T-cell count, HIV-1 plasma viral load, diseaseprogression and mortality. Supplementation by micronutrients has hadcontroversial effects. Thorough future investigations and trials are certainlyneeded to strategically plan evidence-based interventions. Here, we review theavailable data on use of micronutrients during the course of HIV-1 infection.