September 2009

Vitamin D has role in HIV management

Investigating whether people living with HIV are at risk of further disease progression due to vitamin D deficiency is the focus of a novel study being conducted at the Alfred Hospital.

The pilot project, being explored by nutrition and infectious diseases experts at The Alfred, is being funded by the hospital’s research trust.

Emerging research suggests vitamin D deficiency is increasing in people living with HIV. 

Previous studies have also revealed that not only does vitamin D play an important role in maintaining bone function but also the regulation of the immune system.

Alfred dietician Julia Price is leading the study and said it may find an important role for vitamin D in the management of HIV. 

‘Lower levels of vitamin D in people living with HIV may be attributed to limited sun exposure due to illness and isolation, low vitamin D dietary intake, skin pigmentation and the effects of some HIV medications.

‘While advances in HIV medication have improved mortality, it also presents a challenging issue.

‘As one ages, absorption of vitamin D is reduced, which may result in reduced immunity and is also likely to cause further loss of bone density and lead to osteoporosis.

‘It is hoped by changing diet, introducing vitamin D supplements and advising a safe level of sunlight exposure, we will see a reduction in bone breakdown and potentially a boost in immune function in our HIV patient population,’ Ms Price said.

Vitamin D is converted from cholesterol in the blood by exposure to sunlight and helps increase calcium absorption in the intestine. 

In turn, this builds stronger bones. 

As much as 90 per cent of a person’s vitamin D is acquired from sun exposure.