Question
Do I need to take a supplement to increase my CD4 count?
29 January 2024. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Starting treatment.
Hi guys, I am HIV positive and have only been recently diagnosed. I started my ARV about 2 weeks backs but my CD4 count is very low 221 . I have lost weight and sweat every night and mouth sores come and go as they please. Now my neighbour gave me novavit plus is it safe to take them am hoping they will increase my CD4?
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
It is great that you have now started treatment. Have you been offered an antibiotic called co-trimoxazole? Some countries will offer this if you have a viral load below 350 where others will offer it below 200.
How much weight have you lost and how long have you been experiencing night sweats? Have you been offered a test for Tb? and have you been to see a doctor about the recurrent sores?
Novatit plus is a vitamin and mineral supplement. As with all supplements it is recommended you take them at the opposite end of the day to your treatment. This is to prevent any risk of interaction e.g., ARVs in the morning and Novatit plus in the evening.
Some minerals can reduce how much of the ARVs the body absorbs when in concentrations used in supplements. Splitting the time you take them avoids this problem.
Your ARVs work by suppressing your viral load and stopping HIV damaging your immune cells (CD4 cells). Your body can then naturally regenerate these cells by itself. It is a slow process but it will increase. You do not need any extra supplements/medications to help your CD4 cells increase as they will do so naturally.
Josh.
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