AIDS

Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine by Belinda Rowland

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In terms of symptoms, children are less likely than adults to have an early acute syndrome. They are, however, likely to have delayed growth, a history of frequent illness, recurrent ear infections, a low blood cell count, failure to gain weight, and unexplained fevers. Children with AIDS are more likely to develop bacterial infections, inflammation of the lungs, and AIDS-related brain disorders than are HIV-positive adults.

Treatment

AIDS patients turn to alternative medicine when conventional treatments are ineffective, and to supplement conventional treatment, reduce disease symptoms, counteract drug effects, and improve quality of life.

Because alternative medicines may interact with conventional medicines, it is important for the patient to inform his or her doctor of all treatments being used.

Supplements

• Lauric oils (coconut oil) are used by the body to make monolaurin, which inactivates HIV.
• Selenium deficiency increases the risk of death due to AIDS-related illness. One study found that 250 micrograms of selenomethionin daily for one year showed no improvement in CD4 cell counts or disease symptoms. Greater than 1000 micrograms daily is toxic.
• Vitamin C has antioxidant and antiretroviral activities. One study found that treatment caused a trend to decrease viral load.
• DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is commonly used by AIDS patients to counteract wasting. One study found that DHEA had no effect on lymphocytes or p24 antigen levels.
• Vitamin A deficiency is associated with increased mortality. One study of pregnant women with AIDS found that 5000 IU of vitamin A daily led to stabilized viral load as compared to a placebo group. Another study found that 60 mg of vitamin A had no effect on CD4 cells or viral load. Vitamin A has been associated with faster disease progression. Excessive vitamin A during pregnancy can cause birth defects.
• Beta-carotene supplementation for AIDS is controversial as studies have shown both beneficial and detrimental effects. Beta-carotene supplementation has led to elevation in white blood cell counts and changes in the CD4 cell count. Some studies have found that beta-carotene supplementation led to an increase in deaths due to cancer and heart disease.

Naturopathic doctors often recommend the following supplements for AIDS:

• beta-carotene, 150,000 IU daily
• vitamin C, 2000 mg thrice daily
• vitamin E, 400 IU twice daily
• cod liver oil, 1 tablespoon daily
• multivitamin, as directed
• coenzyme Q10, 50-60 mg twice daily

Herbals and Chinese medicine

One small study of the effectiveness of Chinese herbal treatment in AIDS showed promise. AIDS patients took a tablet which contained 31 herbs that was based on the formulas Enhance and Clear Heat. Disease symptoms were reduced in the herbal treatment group as compared to the placebo group.