A World Health Organisation report reveals that over 6.8 lakhs people died of HIV infection-related illnesses worldwide in the year 2020. Although, there is a steep fall in fatalities caused by HIV infection, there is a lot that needs to be achieved when it comes to awareness, diagnosis, and prognosis of the highly lethal disease.
Did you know that the HIV-AIDS pandemic is also a micronutrient deficiency? According to the World Health Organization, “micronutrient deficiencies account for more than two-thirds of the global disease burden.” Micronutrient deficiency is a global problem that continues to affect large numbers of people, particularly in developing countries. One such micronutrient deficiency is HIV-AIDS, which can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. In this blog post, we will discuss the relationship between HIV-AIDS and micronutrient deficiency, and highlight some of the steps that can be taken to mitigate the effects of HIV-AIDS on the body.
What are micronutrients and why are they important to the body?
Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that are essential to the body’s healthy functioning. They are required in very small amounts, hence the name “micronutrient.” Deficiencies in micronutrients can cause a variety of health problems. Vitamins and minerals are vital for growth, development, immunity, brain activity, and other crucial functions. They also play an important role in fighting and preventing various diseases.
How are HIV–AIDS and micronutrient deficiency related?
In HIV-infected individuals, micronutrient deficiencies are common and can lead to serious health complications. AIDs treatment requires a high level of adherence to a healthy lifestyle to be effective, and patients who are deficient in essential vitamins and minerals are at risk for treatment failure.
Micronutrients play a crucial role in the body’s immune system, and a lack of them can leave HIV-infected individuals susceptible to infection and disease. HIV patients who are deficient in zinc, for example, are more likely to experience weight loss and diarrhoea. They may also be more likely to develop AIDS-related infections such as tuberculosis.
Vitamin deficiencies are also common among HIV-infected individuals. A lack of vitamin B12, for example, can lead to anaemia and neurological problems. HIV patients who are deficient in vitamin D are at risk of developing osteoporosis.
Fortunately, most micronutrient deficiencies can be treated with supplements or changes in diet. HIV patients should work with their health care providers to identify any deficiencies and take appropriate steps to address them. By ensuring that they are getting the essential vitamins and minerals they need, HIV patients can improve their overall health and reduce risk of serious complications.
Maintaining a healthy diet while living with HIV/AIDS is essential.
Studies have shown that loss of appetite, mouth and stomach ulcers leading to weight loss and altered metabolism are common in HIV infection. As the infection spreads, gaining weight becomes much more difficult and requires appetite stimulants, a balanced diet, and physical activity.
HIV-infected individuals should work with their health care providers to identify any micronutrient deficiencies and take appropriate steps to address them. By ensuring that they are getting the essential vitamins and minerals they need, HIV patients can improve their overall health and reduce their risk of serious complications. Such patients should also ensure that they eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich foods.
Micronutrient deficiencies can lead to serious health complications in these patients, so it’s important that they maintain their intake of essential vitamins and minerals throughout the duration of AIDS treatment. While the early symptoms of HIV infection include fever, headache, enlarged lymph nodes, rashes, sore throats, and diarrhoea, the advanced symptoms may include weight loss, lethargy, frequent fevers and sweats, and short-term memory loss. They might look like symptoms of any other disease. However, always consult with an expert internal medicine doctorfor a diagnosis.
If you think you may be deficient in any micronutrients or have questions about your nutrition while undergoing HIV treatment, or if you need to seek a second opinion, search for the best internal medicine doctor near me and get instant consultation online from award-winning experts. Don’t miss out on this opportunity-contact us today!
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Anika Sharma