Vitamin D refers to a group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for enhancing intestinal absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate and zinc. In humans, the most important compounds in this group are vitamin D3 (also known as cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). Cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol can be ingested from the diet and from supplements. Very few foods contain vitamin D. Foods that provide Vitamin D includes: Fatty fish like tuna, mackerel and salmon, Foods fortified with vitamin D like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk and cereals, Beef Liver, Cheese and Egg yolks.
A recent study shows that low levels of Vitamin D will affect the HIV-positive people and those who are suffering from HIV often notice the decline in health due to the improper intake of Vitamin D and their immune systems can not respond to common pathogens effectively which results in declining of health. Through observation, the researchers related that the rise in immune function in the individuals is due to the adequate levels of vitamin D. It is said that the individuals who are suffering from HIV-positive should take high amounts of Vitamin D to make the treatment more effective.
The individuals who are suffering from HIV often struggle with the decline in health which leads to a bad immune system. The researchers found out the low intake of Vitamin D is what causing the problems, because the individuals who are noticing declination in health is due to their immune systems which can't respond to common pathogens effectively. This is quite common in the people who are suffering from HIV. Higher intake of Vitamin D help the HIV treatment more effective and specifically, the research showed that vitamin D helped the adults' CD4+ T cells recover more quickly.
The participants with adequate amounts of vitamin D has shown a significant functioning of their immune system than those who have an inadequate amount of vitamin D. The benefit of vitamin D sufficiency seemed greater for younger and underweight HIV-positive adults.
Generally, the immune status of HIV-positive people is usually measured by CD4+T cells. It is a type of T cell which helps the immune system fight off pathogens.
