Question

Will anti-inflammatory foods help if I am on ART?

29 December 2020. Related: All topics, Living with HIV long-term, Opportunistic infections, Research.

Hi, I have been on ARV and undetectable since March.

I read many articles saying even undetectable amount of HIV causes chronic inflammation that might lead to many ageing diseases.

 I was wondering if any of those anti-inflammation foods and supplements are proven to reduce it. I am thinking to take Omega-3 and turmeric supplements in addition to anti-inflammation diet.

Thank you so much, I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Thanks for your question and for letting us post the answer online.

You are right that HIV increases immune inflammation – and that this might increase the risk of some complications. Luckily, this is dramatically reduced by being on ART.

However, you are also right that even on ART, inflammation remains a little higher compared to people who are HIV negative.

Unfortunately, using anti-inflammatory medicines haven’t shown any benefit. This means that foods or supplement will also not help – as any anti-inflammatory effect with these will be much smaller.

These foods might have other benefits, and won’t do you any harm though – other than the money you spends on them.