Question
How can I increase my CD4 count without ARVs?
8 January 2016. Related: All topics, Newly diagnosed, South Africa, Starting treatment, Supplements and herbs.
I have just found out that I was HIV positive in March, last year. My CD4 count was 270.
I did another test and it was 284 and my doctor said I must start treatment.
I just want to know what I must do to increase my CD4 count without taking treatment.
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
The only way to increase your CD4 is to use HIV treatment (ART).
Your doctor is giving you good information and advice.
Nothing else, including multivitamins, supplements or herbal remedies can increase your CD4 count. Looking after yourself is important – for example, eating a balanced diet, keeping physically and mentally active, reducing stress, sleeping well etc. But increasing your CD4 count is only proven by using effective HIV meds.
Even though some companies advertise this vitamins and supplements can help your CD4 count, these are scams. There is no such thing as an “immune booster” and no “immune booster” will help your CD4 count or help control HIV.
Why do you want to delay ART or look at other options? HIV meds are really effective – this is what they were designed for.
ART stops HIV from replicating. The main aim is to reduce your viral load to an undetectable level (less than 50 copies/mL). As your viral load goes down, your immune system start to repair itself. This means that your CD4 count will slowly go up to higher levels again.
Currently South Africa recommendation starting treatment when the CD4 count is below 500 cells/mm3. This may change in the future and treatment might be recommended at any CD4 count. (Note: South African later changed to recommends treatment at any CD4 count).
Here is a link to more information about starting treatment. Please take your time reading it and if you have any further questions do write back to me.
Are you receiving any support from other people? Getting support from your local support group or a counsellor can help you to come to terms living with HIV. Also you will be able to gain and share experiences with others who are in the similar situation as you, rather than having to deal with it in isolation.
This answer was updated in January 2019 and January 2016 from a question first posted on 2 March 2012.
I would like to know whether taking supplements won’t affect effectiveness of ART treatment. If not which multivitamin suppliments would you recommend.
Hi Kelly.
Side effects can be a problem, but in most cases they go within 2-4 weeks.How long where you taking ARVs for? What were you taking?
Its good to hear that you feel fit and strong. However, eventually you will need to take treatment again. This is because ARVs are the only thing that can help your HIV. Before you stopped taking your meds did you talk to your doctor?
hi.l tested HIV positive and my cd4 count was 419, the doctor said l must start taking arvs.l did but they were making me sick,loosing appetite,sleepy and tired always.l stated having rare rush and my body was sore.my legs getting fatter like its high blood.now body looks terrible than b4 treatment.l then stopped arvs. my husband and I use condom every time now fit and strong.
I think its good to take treatment while you still can people coz there is No other way
Hi Jerry,
A CD4 count of 203 is low. If you are not on treatment, then it is advised that you start as soon as possible. Because it is low, you may also need to be take other medication to prevent infections. If you would like to email me personally then we can talk about this more.
my cd4 count is at 203 how bad is this ?
Hi Kevin,
WHO guidelines recommend that if possible, everyone who is positive should be on meds. This includes people with a CD4 of over 500. For the reasons why, please see the START study:
http://i-base.info/start-study/
Meds are the main thing that help your HIV. Having a healthy diet though and looking after yourself also helps.
Hi! My CD4 count is 510. I was advise by my doctor not to take ARV drugs at this stage but to take multivitamins and a healthy lifestyle. Is that correct? Or what things do I need to do to increase my CD4 count.
Hi Cindy,
What has your doctor said? Because there is no cure, how can we help? Are you able to get any support from people near to where you live?
Hello, my name is Cindy, I am hiv positive and have been diagnosed with Vacuolar Myelopathy, can’t walk, have diziness and very painful weak legs. Please help me.
Regards,