Impact of micronutrients on the psychological well-being of highly active antiretroviral therapy-naïve human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients

Abstract

Background: In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons, low serum concentrations of vitamins and minerals, termed micronutrients, may be associated with an increased risk of psychiatric morbidity and HIV disease progression. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of micronutrient supplementation on psychological well-being of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-naïve HIV-infected patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 HAART-naïve HIV-infected patients completed the Distress Thermometer and its Problem Checklist, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Oslo Social Support Scale, and the 14-Item Resilience Scale (RS-14) at baseline. They all received a micronutrient supplement for 6 months, and 68 of the participants who remained in treatment at 6 months were reassessed with the same instruments. Results: There was no significant difference between sociodemographic characteristics of participants at baseline and 6 months. After 6 months of micronutrient supplementation, participants were found to have significantly lower mean scores on the anxiety (P = 0.003), depression (P = 0.001), and overall distress (P = 0.001) subscales and significantly higher mean scores on the RS (P = 0.025). Conclusion: Micronutrient supplementation can reduce the experience of distress, anxiety, and depression and increase the resilience in HAART-naïve HIV-infected persons.