Micronutrients and adverse pregnancy outcomes in the context of HIV infection

Nutr Rev. 2004 Jul;62(7 Pt 1):269-75. doi: 10.1301/nr.2004.jul.269-275.

Abstract

HIV infection is a global public health problem, particularly in Africa. Concurrently, micronutrient deficiencies and adverse pregnancy outcomes are prevalent in the same settings. Supplements containing B complex and vitamins C and E were efficacious in reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes, including fetal loss, low birth weight, and prematurity among HIV-infected women; the generalizability of this finding to uninfected women is being examined. There is little encouragement from published studies to provide prenatal vitamin A supplements in HIV infection, particularly in light of significantly higher risk of mother-to-child transmission observed in one trial. The efficacy and safety of prenatal zinc and selenium supplements on these outcomes need to be examined in randomized trials.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • HIV-1*
  • Humans
  • Micronutrients / administration & dosage*
  • Micronutrients / deficiency*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious*
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Selenium / administration & dosage
  • Vitamins / administration & dosage
  • Zinc / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Micronutrients
  • Vitamins
  • Selenium
  • Zinc