Every day there is more and more news coming from HIV research. The HIV pandemic is not over, and some may say it is only just beginning. Thirty-three million are currently infected and there are 7,000 new cases daily. The search for antiretroviral therapy is still on, but for many countries, a drug response just is not enough. The creation of an HIV vaccine is crucial to the eradication of the disease. This would be an injection that when taken, could prevent someone from ever catching the disease. Since prevention often costs less than treatment, this is especially important to those less fortunate.

The current antiretroviral treatment that HIV research has made available is too costly for many patients, and there are potentially long-term side effects. Also, daily compliance with the treatment is required. This is extremely hard to monitor in those who cannot afford consistent medical care. This is one reason the HIV pandemic continues to worsen. The discovery of an HIV vaccine could curb this by preventing many from catching the disease altogether. Those most at risk could be vaccinated in mass clinics, much as the flu is done in many countries.

For there to ever be a cure or an HIV vaccine, scientists need political and funding commitment from investors for HIV research. The only way to slow and eventually stop the HIV pandemic is to have both. The research for each must go on simultaneously so that one does not slow down the progress of the other. This requires extra funding and strong commitments. Many investors only want to support one or the other, with the mindset that both are not needed. This is just not the case. Everyone cannot be cured at once, and while they are waiting, the disease is steadily spreading. The only way to stop the cycle is to prevent those who have it from spreading while waiting on the cure.

In short, HIV research costs money. This money comes from investors. Each area of research, both for a cure and for an HIV vaccine needs funding in order to continue their work. The HIV pandemic will continue to spread without both a vaccine and a cure. The current treatments are better than nothing, but they are nowhere near sufficient. Further progress needs to be made so that treatment is not the only answer. This can only be accomplished through continued research, which can only happen with continued funding.

HIV patients often lack specific vitamins including Vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, E, and folate. Vitamins A, B, and E are effective in strengthening the immune system of a person, which is very much vital for HIV patients because a strong immune system can resist the development of further complication and infection.

Foods rich in Vitamin B1 include meat, liver, nuts and grains; while beans, vegetable and banana are rich in Vitamin B6. Eating soy products will provide supply of Vitamin B12. It is a common knowledge that citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables are loaded with Vitamin C. This is one of the most essential vitamins for HIV patients because of the well-known antioxidant accomplishment of Ascorbic Acid. It is effective in clearing out cell and tissue-damaging particles.

Other vitamins for HIV:

HIV And vitamin B12. Research has shown that HIV-positive individuals are most likely Vitamin B12 deficient. As such, their bodies become more prone to infections. Vitamin B12 deficiency could lead to fatigue, neuropathy, depression, rashes, and anemia. On the other hand, taking an increased dosage of Vitamin B12 helps in the inhibition of lymphocytes and monocytes.

Vitamin A as a cure for HIV. Vitamin A and its food form, Beta-carotene help in boosting the formation of helpful body chemicals that fights off the ill effects of HIV. Therefore, people that are HIV-positive should make it a point to take increased dosage of Beta-carotene or Vitamin A.

However, there are studies showing that certain HIV-positive patients produce some negative effects when subjected to high dosage of Vitamin A. Therefore, it is important that patients consult with their doctors first so that the actual benefits of Vitamin A are assessed right on.

Multivitamins as a Treatment for HIV

HIV is a condition that affects the entire body of a person. And since it attacks the body’s immune system and doesn’t have a cure yet, doctors have decided that aggressive nutrition is what’s required. HIV-positive patients are required to take in substantial vitamins and minerals in their body to help in the fight against the ill effects of AIDS.

It is however crucial to note that excessive vitamin intake can also be harmful. Vitamins should only be taken in recommended dosages especially vitamins in pharmaceutical form like pill or syrup and not from natural sources. Vitamin deficiencies in HIV patients put them at a greater risk of HIV disease advancing to AIDS and later on become more intense which may lead them to death. Because of this, it has been emphasized that requirements of vitamins for HIV patients should be higher than the average requirement for normal and healthy persons.