Vitamin D Deficiency In HIV Infected People

HIV is the acronym used to describe human immunodeficiency virus. It is lentivirus that causes HIV infection, and over time can develop into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, better known as AIDS. HIV weakens the immune system by destroying important cells that serve to protect the body by fighting disease and infection. Presently we have no actual cure for the virus, but we have come a long way, and with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. Certain risk factors can increase a person’s chances of getting infected with HIV. To learn more about the risk factors of HIV, search HIV AIDS New York City or HIV/AIDS in New York City for answers from some of the best HIV doctors in New York City.

Because HIV is a virus that attacks disease-fighting cells, there are no symptoms unique to HIV. Instead it simply makes you far more susceptible to ailments. Once a person gets HIV, he has it for life. It can be treated and maintained, but unlike other viruses, the human body is unable to fully remove it. If HIV is left untreated, it will continue to destroy so many disease-fighting cells that your body can now no longer fight off infections and disease. At this point, opportunistic infections or even cancers can take advantage, signaling the final stage of HIV, which is AIDS. If you need a diagnosis or more information, search HIV AIDS New York City or HIV/AIDS in New York City to find HIV testing in New York City.

If you have HIV and are struggling to stay healthy, you should know about the risks of vitamin D deficiency in HIV-infected people. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with HIV, associated with an increased risk of disease progression. Research has found a strong correlation between low levels of vitamin D and an increased risk of mortality and the development of AIDS. Some evidence points to a link between vitamin D deficiency and a number of serious illnesses, such as cancers and heart disease. However, the strongest association of low levels of vitamin D is the thinning of your bones. If you need information on HIV rates in New York City, you should find the best HIV doctors in New York City.

The reason for a correlation between vitamin D deficiencies has been frequently debated among experts. Some possible explanations may be due to low levels of sun exposure, poor absorption, kidney or liver impairment, or antiviral drugs. A recent study showed that 72% of the patients included in the study were found to have a deficiency in a particular vitamin D. For more information on HIV or on diagnosing the virus, search HIV rates in New York City or HIV testing in New York City.

• What is HIV?Read More
• Finding an HIV specialistRead More
• Treatment and prevention of HIVRead More