A potential role for vitamin D on HIV infection?

Nutr Rev. 2006 May;64(5 Pt 1):226-33. doi: 10.1301/nr.2006.may.226-233.

Abstract

Despite advances in the knowledge of vitamin D's potent immunomodulatory activity, its role on HIV disease progression is unknown. Decreased concentrations of 1alpha,25-hydroxyvitamin D3, or 1,25(OH)2D, the active form of vitamin D, have been reported among HIV-infected people and attributed to defects in renal hydroxylation and increased utilization. A few studies also described low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 25(OH)D, the vitamin obtained from solar synthesis and diet. An inverse association between 1,25(OH)2D concentrations and mortality has been reported from a small cohort of HIV-infected adults, and some cross-sectional studies have indicated positive correlations between 1,25(OH)2D and CD4+ cell counts. Additional observational studies are needed to confirm the associations between vitamin D status and HIV disease progression. These investigations would provide useful insights on the potential role of vitamin D supplementation to HIV-infected persons and the planning of intervention trials.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Calcitriol / metabolism
  • Calcitriol / physiology
  • Disease Progression
  • HIV Infections* / blood
  • HIV Infections* / immunology
  • HIV Infections* / physiopathology
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Nutritional Requirements*
  • Vitamin D / metabolism
  • Vitamin D / physiology*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / immunology*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / mortality
  • Vitamins / physiology*

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D
  • Calcitriol