A broad-spectrum micronutrient formula developed by a California HIV caregiver has been shown to boost CD4 counts by 26% after just 12 weeks of treatment. The study is the first to link vitamin, mineral, and amino acid supplements with improvements in immune system cell levels.
Although the supplements did not improve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, which was the original goal of the study, volunteers taking the compounds posted CD4-cell gains of 14% after four weeks, 20% after eight weeks, and 26% after 12 weeks of treatment.
The supplements, estimated to cost about $145 per month, included six compounds with potent antioxidant effects'acetyl L-carnitine, n-acetyl cysteine, alpha lipoic acid, vitamins C and E, and selenium. A total of 15 multivitamins, 15 multiminerals, and three antioxidant supplements were included in the micronutrient formula, developed by San Francisco physician Jon Kaiser (pictured), who specializes in a holistic approach to HIV care.
