Carrot-ginger blend improves HIV-infected patients’ immunity

C ARROT-ginger blend could be a beneficial adjunct to patients on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) due to its potential towards improving the immune system and strengthening nutritional status in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.

In a new study, researchers said that its intake significantly increased in weight gain, CD4+ cell counts and micronutrients like vitamins A, C, E, Selenium and Zinc in persons living with HIV.

CD4 cells are white blood cells called T lymphocytes or T cells that fight infection and play an important role in immune system function.

The researchers said the carrot-ginger (75:25) blend could be a substitute for the expensive commercial micronutrients supplements that HIV-infected patients on ART require in boosting and recovering the immune system. It was in the journal, Human Nutrition & Metabolism.

In the study, the researchers had investigated the impact of natural micronutrient supplements (Vitamins A, C, and E, Selenium and Zinc) from Carrot-ginger (75:25) blend on the micronutrient status and counts of T CD4 + lymphocytes of HIV-infected patients on ART.

Ninety HIV-infected patients attending Special Treatment Clinic, Kafanchan General Hospital, Kaduna, were randomised into three groups of thirty patients each: group 1 was control group and received ART alone; group 2 was standard group and received ART and ready-to-use commercial micronutrient supplements Registered (SelACE® supplement). Group 3 was a supplement group and received ART and carrot-ginger blend for a period of 90 days.

The vitamins A, C and E, selenium, zinc, CD4 cell counts and body mass index (BMI) were assessed using standard methods at baseline (0 day), 30 days, 60 days and 90 days respectively.

Results indicated that patients on carrot-ginger blend and SelACE® supplements had significant increases in BMI, CD4+ T-cell counts, serum vitamins A, C, E, selenium and zinc from zero day. However, there was no significant difference in patients treated with ART alone when compared to their baseline values.

In addition, patients on the SelACE® supplement revealed significant differences in their mean BMI, CD4+ T-cell counts, serum vitamins A, C, E, Selenium and Zinc when compared to patients on carrot-ginger blend after 90 days.

The result further indicated a strong positive relationship between CD4 counts, micronutrients status and BMI after 90 days of micronutrient supplement.

Nigeria ranks second largest in the HIV epidemic worldwide. The National Agency for the Control of AIDS said that in 2018, 1.9 million people were living with HIV in Nigeria where six states account for 41% of people living with HIV including Kaduna State.

Micronutrient deficiencies and anaemia are common complications associated with HIV diseases. Poor nutritional status is an independent risk factor linked with weakened immune system, opportunistic infections, and shorter survival in patients with HIV infection despite being on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Several studies have reported that micronutrients deficiencies are common among HIV-infected individuals, particularly those in low and middle income countries and can contribute to the pathogenesis of HIV infection.

Interestingly, micronutrient supplements have been shown to delay HIV disease progression and reduce deaths in HIV-infected patients not receiving ART. Vitamins B, C and E and trace elements such as selenium are essential nutrients required for maintaining a responsive immune system and have been used to manage HIV infection.

Micronutrient supplements containing multivitamins and selenium were reported to be harmless and significantly reduced the risk of immune deterioration and morbidity in HIV-infected adults. Therefore, micronutrient supplement represents a promising, effective and beneficial approach to defer the initiation of expensive, potentially toxic and lifelong ART in the management of HIV disease.

However, micronutrient supplement has been challenged with high cost especially in developing countries and possibility of non-adherence to the supplements. These could affect the treatment outcome of HIV-infected patients on ART. Hence, natural sources of micronutrients which are readily available, accessible, sustainable and cost-effective could be beneficial.

Carrot and ginger are rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which fight inflammation and boost the immune system. Carrots are a good source of carotenoids which have immune-boosting effects and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Ginger root contains active compounds called gingerols which provide many health benefits and exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

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