Question
Can i use herbalife supplements?
11 December 2015. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Drug interactions, Supplements and herbs.
Can i use herbalife supplements to boost my CD4? I an on HIV treatment.
Answer
Hi,
Generally it is a good idea to be careful when taking any supplements together with HIV treatment. This is becuase you do not always know what is in the supplements. There can be a risk of them interacting with your HIV meds. This could mean that they stop working properly. Before you take any supplements, or other medication, you should always check with your clinic or doctor about interactions.
It is great that you are on treatment. This, and not herbalife, is the only thing that will reliably help your CD4 count go up.
Hello Yolanda and thanks for the question.
Some ARVs might interact with herbal life as it contains metals such as zinc or iron (dolutegravir interacts with those).
You can use this link to check yourself:
https://www.hiv-druginteractions.org
Gaining weight especially around the waist might have other reasons though and can be related to other conditions that your doctor should be helping you manage.
In general the first step is to make sure your doctor knows about your concerns and that your weight and waist are measured and recorded in your medical notes.
The doctor should then look for possible causes and will talk about diet and exercise etc.
These links have more information:
https://i-base.info/htb/40717
https://i-base.info/guides/side/diet-a-balanced-diet-and-your-health
Hi I am arvs,I want to start using herbal life for my tummy fat,is it advisable to do so?
Hi Comfort, what Herbalife supplements are you taking?
Most supplements can be taken together. It is important to check what prescribed medication you are taking (e.g., HIV ART) and if the supplements will interact with these.
Which Herbalife supplements should not be taken together?
Hi Geraldine,
As Robin says on this Q&A, some herbs and supplements can interact with some ARVs. So it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about this first.
However, making sure you have a good diet, and exercise regularly, can help weight loss. Please see this Q&A.
And here’s the guide to a balanced diet and your health.
I am on arvs can I start taking Herbalife to reduse my fat tummy…