Role of Dietary Antioxidants in the Management of HIV/AIDs

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has predominantly been considered the main cause in the progression of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, many researchers believe that there are co-factors involved along the way that may play a critical role in HIV progression to AIDs. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been established to be present at the onset of HIV infection. Additionally, the delayed response by the immune system upon infection may be due to an initial depletion of antioxidants, which play a critical role in scavenging excess ROS to maintain normal physiological conditions. This antioxidant imbalance results in a condition known as oxidative stress (OS). Oxidative Stress has been reported to be an integral element in the progression of many diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Therefore, it is presumed that dietary antioxidant treatment may provide a promising and cost-effective therapeutic approach in suppressing the viral load. The aim of this review was to synthesize and summarize existing knowledge on the role of dietary antioxidants in suppressing HIV viral load.