The immune system protects the body against infection and disease. It is a complex and integrated system of cells, tissues, and organs that have specialized roles in defending against foreign substances and pathogenic micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The immune system also functions to guard against the development of cancer. For these actions, the immune system must recognize foreign invaders as well as abnormal cells and distinguish them from self. However, the immune system is a double-edged sword in that host tissues can be damaged in the process of combating and destroying invading pathogens.

Autoimmune diseases, of which HIV and AIDS are part, are related to chronically suppressed immune systems.

These are medical conditions, and it must be remembered that nutritional supplements should never be taken in place of any prescription drugs and a good well balanced diet for the particular type of autoimmune disease affecting you. However, the nutritional supplements recommended have all been found to be effective in helping with the symptoms and conditions of a chronically suppresses immune system. It has been found that a multivitamin supplements delay the progression of illnesses like HIV and AIDS can and provide an effective, low-cost means of delaying the initiation of antiretroviral therapy in HIV infected women. Remember though that it is always best to discuss taking any nutritional supplements with a doctor beforehand to prevent any bad reactions, which although rare, can occur.

Some of the nutraceuticals that have been found to be of assistance to those with a compromised immune system are: a range of vitamin B’s, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, selenium, n-acetyl-cysteine, powerful anti-oxidants, spirulina and olive leaf extract. In these conditions on a cellular level there is increased oxidative stress. Tailor made nutritional supplementation will combat and help slow down this oxidative process while reducing fatigue, limiting excessive weight loss and generally experiencing a better quality of life. Oxidative stress can have a damaging effect on DNA and can induce the activation of HIV leading to immunity suppression. It is now generally accepted that a central pathological feature of HIV involves oxidative stress leading to programmed cell death and depletion of CD-4 cells.

This is a unique scientifically formulated multivitamin created to provide a comprehensive natural blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other specialized nutrients including co-enzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid and amino acids. This last inclusion makes this multivitamin quiteunique.The amounts of each nutrient have been chosen to complement each other in a complete scientific balance. It is an all- rounder, ideal for general improvement in health. Ideal too, if only the minimum supplementation is required.

The leave, bark and fruit of olive trees contain compounds which protect it from parasites and disease. These compounds are also some of the most powerful plant antioxidants known. A healthy gut is the first line of defense against autoimmune diseases. Olive leaf inactivates pathogens in the gut (disease-causing organisms) without harming “good” gut bacteria. This is a major advantage as about 70% of your immunity resides in your gut with “good” bacteria playing a key role.

The leave, bark and fruit of olive trees contain compounds which protect it from parasites and disease. These compounds are also some of the most powerful plant antioxidants known. A healthy gut is the first line of defense against autoimmune diseases. Olive leaf inactivates pathogens in the gut (disease-causing organisms) without harming “good” gut bacteria. This is a major advantage as about 70% of your immunity resides in your gut with “good” bacteria playing a key role.

The Micronutrient Information Center is a public service of the Linus Pauling Institute and it has this to say about vitamin A:

Vitamin A and its metabolites play critical roles in both innate and adaptive immunity. In innate immunity, the skin and mucosal cells of the eye and respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts function as a barrier against infections. Vitamin A helps to maintain the structural and functional integrity of these mucosal cells. Vitamin A is also important to the normal function of several types of immune cells important in the innate response, including natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. Moreover, vitamin A is needed for proper function of cells that mediate adaptive immunity, such as T and B cells; thus, vitamin A is necessary for the generation of antibody responses to specific antigens.

In the book, ‘Military Strategies for Sustainment of Nutrition and Immune Function in the Field (1999), chapter 12, the following is reported related to HIV and vitamin A deficiency:

A study involving HIV-seronegative injection drug users from inner city Baltimore showed that adults with vitamin A levels consistent with deficiency (serum vitamin A < 1.05 μmol/liter) had significantly lower CD4 counts than those without deficiency (Semba et al., 1993a). Studies in HIV-infected adults have shown a fairly consistent association between low vitamin A levels and low CD4 counts (Phuapradit et al., 1996; Semba et al., 1993a, b).

But Zinc is also essential for immunity and that is why Sally T. Vitamin A and Zinc is a good combination. Read what The Micronutrient Information Center has to say about zinc:

Zinc is critical for normal development and function of cells that mediate both innate and adaptive immunity. The cellular functions of zinc can be divided into three categories: (1) catalytic, (2) structural, and (3) regulatory. Because zinc is not stored in the body, regular dietary intake of the mineral is important in maintaining the integrity of the immune system. Thus, inadequate intake can lead to zinc deficiency and compromised immune responses. With respect to innate immunity, zinc deficiency impairs the complement system, cytotoxicity of natural killer cells, phagocytic activity of neutrophils and macrophages, and immune cell ability to generate oxidants that kill invading pathogens. Zinc deficiency also compromises adaptive immune function, including lymphocyte number and function. Even marginal zinc deficiency, which is more common than severe zinc deficiency, can suppress aspects of immunity. Zinc-deficient individuals are known to experience increased susceptibility to a variety of infectious agents.