The relationship between vitamin A and HIV infection

Abstract

Vitamin A deficiency has been shown to alter immune and haematological status in HIV infected subjects. Malnutrition remain an endemic problem in many African countries which has been recently complicated by the impact of HIV/AIDS. Malnutrition is known to affect micronutrient status and more so in HIV-infected persons. Research studies observed that several vitamins especially vitamin A are critical in fighting HIV infection. This is because these vitamins (vitamin A inclusive) are utilized by the immune system and important organs to attack infectious pathogens hence, the need to examine relationship between vitamin A and HIV infection in this paper.