These findings are significant because boosting the immune system’s CD4 cell count and suppressing viral loads can decrease the likelihood of developing complication of HIV disease and prolong life.
“This study builds on previous research showing selenium’s potential role as an antioxidant in immune health and the possible consequences of selenium deficiency in people living with HIV/AIDS,” said Barry Hurwitz, professor of Psychology and Medicine at the University of Miami.
The trial evaluated the effects of once-daily supplementation with Selenomax high selenium yeast in study participants seropositive for HIV-1. Serum selenium levels significantly increased in more than half of the selenium treated subjects. In these subjects, HIV-1viral load was significantly lower and the CD4 cell count was significantly higher compared to the placebo group.
The beneficial effects of Selenomax supplementation were consistent across the diverse study population regardless of age, sex, ethnicity and drug use. Additionally, the findings remained significant after correcting for the effects of disease-related factors, including ART regimen and adherence, HIV disease stage and duration and HCV co-infection. No adverse events were reported.