With the participation of Continuum, I have been conducting a four month study looking at antioxidant levels in six antibody positive individuals (each antibody tested at different times and some positive for different antibody- antigen reactions) and trying to boost their levels by diet and supplementation. I have measured the levels of pre- and post-study antioxidants - red cell fragility (vitamin E), red cell glutathione and red cell glutathione peroxidase (selenium). As of this date pre-testing for five of the six participants has been carried out. It is hoped that by modifying diet and using supplements, the participants will improve their antioxidant levels and health.

Oxidative stress occurs when the quantity of free radicals the body has to cope with exceeds the availability of antioxidants. Free radicals are molecules with an unpaired electron in the outer orbit which makes them very reactive and unstable. They take electrons from other molecules. The process is a chain reaction. Our body naturally produces free radicals as part of everyday reactions, e.g. our white blood cells produce them when they attack foreign bodies, bacteria, viruses, other infections etc. We receive free radicals also from the environment - air pollution, cigarette smoke, chemicals in our drinking water, nitrites, food additives, radiation, toxic chemicals, dry cleaning fluids etc.

Free radicals are thought to be major contributors to poor health and disease. They attack the lipid membranes of our cell walls and the DNA within the nucleus of each cell, turning the lipid rancid (lipid peroxidation). This causes the cell to malfunction as the cell wall is either hardened so that nutrients cannot get into the cell, or it is punctured so that the cell collapses as the cell fluid drains out. It is thought that free radicals’ contributions to undermining health and the immune system are linked with inflammation and triggering mutations which can lead to cancer and are associated with many of the degenerative diseases found today.

Fortunately our bodies have evolved to produce antioxidant enzymes which scavenge free radicals and so render them harmless. A balance between these enzyme systems, antioxidant nutrients received from the diet and supplements, and free radicals is essential for maintaining health.

GSH, the main intracellular defence against oxidative stress, has been reported to be markedly decreased in plasma, lung epithelial-lining fluid and T Iymphocytes in antibody-positive individuals. Of the six individuals in the study five have so far been tested and four out of five have low glutathione levels.

In the four month study, the participants are taking Amino-Plex which is a blend of sulphur containing amino acids. It contains cysteine and methionine for boosting GSH levels. They are also taking Cellguard Forte, which contains some antioxidant nutrients as well as vitamin B6 and reduced glutathione, another source of GSH. Foods which can help to boost GSH levels are eggs, onions and garlic and all sulphur containing amino acids.

green leafy vegetables, berries, tomatoes, cauliflower, potatoes, sweet potatoes and citrus fruits.

The study participants are taking 15Omg Vitamin E daily. Food sources of vitamin E are soya beans, nuts and seeds, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, leafy greens, wheat germ, whole grain cereals and eggs.

Vitamin E levels (red cell fragility) have been tested pre- study in five out of six participants. Three out of five participants have borderline levels or deficiencies of this vitamin.

The study participants are taking 250mcg selenium daily. Food rich sources are nuts and seeds, seafood, tuna, tomatoes, onions and broccoli. Five out of six participants have had a pre-study GSH-Px (functional test for selenium). Four out of five have a low selenium level.

VITAMIN A AND ß-CAROTENE Vitamin A and its precursor ß-carotene are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. The ability of vitamin A to act as an antioxidant is strongest in the linings of tissues where it acts to protect the mucous membranes of the lung, intestinal tract and bladder, as well as the skin. ß- carotene not only turns into vitamin A in the body but is itself a quencher of singlet (a form of free radical) oxygen, which it deactivates without damage to itself. Therefore it is important to get adequate amounts of both in the diet. Vitamin A deficiency is associated with increased frequency and worsened severity of infections. The study participants are taking 800mcg Vitamin A and 22mg ß-carotene. Good food sources are fish, liver, carrots, green and yellow vegetables, eggs and yellow fruits.

GENERAL NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS I would like to use this opportunity to emphasize the importance of looking at each person’s nutritional status individually. The most appropriate dietary supplementation recommendations are those that are based on an individual’s unique requirements, not solely on his or her disease symptom or antibody diagnosis. This is the basis of nutritional therapies and anything that I suggest should be considered only when an individual’s requirements have been assessed.

1.  Anyone should endeavor to optimize his or her nutrient intake by eating organic foods since most non- organic crops are grown in soil supporting much more growth than it has natural nutrients for. And if this is not possible then all fruits and vegetables should be washed in a dilute vinegar solution, cider vinegar being preferable, at least to remove external toxins from the food. Aim for three meals a day, with snacks in between. If personal diet permits eat 3-4 pieces of fruit per day, plus one meal consisting of a large salad plus protein. Vegetable protein is preferable, but lean meat and fish are of benefit. Vegetables should be lightly steamed or steam-fried for the shortest possible time. Raw and lightly cooked vegetables provide high levels of antioxidants. Vegetable protein is a good source of protein without the saturated fat found in meat. Fruit also contains high levels of antioxidants. Green leafy vegetables and seaweeds are a good source of vitamins and minerals.

2.  Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) dramatically elevates glutathione levels and improves both humoral and cellular immunity in vivo. In a small pilot study with antibody positive men, there was a dramatic rise in the levels of GSH and most participants reached ideal bodyweight 10. WPC can be added to fruit or vegetable juices, stews, soups, etc. Use 1-2 scoops daily.

3.  Intake of anti-nutrients should be minimized. These include phytates from wheat and bran, sugar, tea, coffee, alcohol, cigarettes and recreational drugs. These substances either prevent absorption, or deplete the body of valuable nutrients.

4.  Heavy metal toxicity should be investigated and treated. An overload of toxic metals (mercury, cadmium, aluminum, lead and fluoride) can cause serious weakening of the immune system and use up valuable antioxidant nutrients.

5.  Any subsidiary health problems should be dealt with e.g. Gut fermentation, food intolerances, parasites, a/hypochlorhydria (deficiency or absence of digestive hydrochloric acid), insufficient pancreatic enzymes, poor blood sugar balance, increased intestinal permeability, malabsorption, nutrient deficiencies etc.

6.  Supplementation should be designed for each individual based on their specific needs. Here are some suggested doses for some of the important nutrients:

• Vitamin C: to bowel tolerance, increasing when required. (1- 10 g+ daily)

•Vitamin E: 400 - 8OOi.u. Start off at a lower dose and slowly increase

•Vitamin A: 5000-10000 i.u. daily, increasing when required (not if pregnant)

•ß-carotene: 15-60mg three times daily with meals. Best given in divided doses, either reducing the dose after three months or discontinuing the dose for a short period •Selenium: 100 - 300mcg daily

•Vitamin B Complex: 50-200mg twice a day

•Zinc: 30-60mg daily

•N-Acetyl-cysteine: 500-600mg in 2-3 doses per day. (It is thought that levels beyond this are probably counterproductive.)

• Copper: 1-2mg daily

• Manganese. 2.5-5mcg daily

7.  Other supplemental considerations:

• Magnesium

• Bifidobacteria/Lactobacilli

• Essential Fatty Acids

• HCL (Hydrochloric Acid): half to l cap. with meals

• Digestive enzymes: 1-2 caps. with meals

• B12 Injections (available from G.P.) important if experiencing gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms.

I am grateful to Biolab, London for generously providing free pre- and post-study antioxidant laboratory tests and Biocare, a nutritional supplement company, who have kindly donated a range of their supplements for the participants of this study.

1. Jariwalla RJ. Boost your Immune System and Fight AIDS. Tape of Inst. Optimum Nutrition Power of Prevention Conference. London 1993

2. Eck HP, Gmunder H, Hartmann M, Petzoldt D, Daniel V, Droge W. Low Concentrations of Acid-Soluble Thiol (Cysteine) in the Blood Plasma of HIV-l-Infected Patients. Biol Chem Hoppe Seyler 1989:370:101-108

3. Skurnick JH, Bogden JD, Baker H, Kemp FW, Sheffet A, Quattrone G, Louria DB. Micronutrient profiles in HIV-I- infected heterosexual adults. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology. I996; 12(1):7583 .

4. Passwater RA. Cancer Prevention and Nutritional Therapies. Keats Publishing 1993 p44.

5. Wang Y, Huang DS, Liang B, Watson RR. Nutritional Status and Immune Response in Mice with Murine AIDS are Normalised by Vitamin E Supplementation. Journal of Nutrition 1994; 124(10):2024-2032.

6. Wang Y, Watson RR. Vitamin E Supplementation at Various Levels alters Cytokine Production by Thymocytes During Retrovirus Infection Causing Murine AIDS. Thymus 22(3):153-165 1994.

7. Jariwalla RJ. Op. Cit.

8. Sappey C, Legrand-Poels S, Best-Belpomme M, Favier A, Rentier B, Piette J. Stimulation of Glutathione Peroxide Activity Decreases HIV Type 1 Activation After Oxidative Stress. . Nov 1994 10(11):1451-61

9. Jariwalla RJ. Op. Cit

• Help you save money. Your food supplements should be based on your needs, not on random guesswork.

• Help you save effort. Some people select very difficult diets for themselves, (such as all-raw diets) believing that they have to suffer to encourage better health. But nutritional therapists don’t use just one diet, they use a variety, including diagnostic diets, diets to help improve the digestion, hypoallergenic diets, cleansing diets and specific carbohydrate diets. You will be given different diets according to need as your treatment develops.

• Give you encouragement. If AIDS is not caused by a deadly virus, (and who has seen any evidence that it is?) then your body will be grateful for all the natural health-promoting measures you can take: detoxification, investigating allergies and nutritional deficiencies, antifungals, helping your liver and digestion work better, and so on.

Nutritional therapists are experienced in all these areas.

For further information and a list of qualified, registered nutritional therapists nearest to you, send £1 plus s.a.e. to : Society for the Promotion of Nutritional Therapy (SPNT), PO Box 47, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 8ZX. Add £5.99 for a copy of Principles of Nutritional Therapy, the authoritative guide to the subject by the SPNT’s Director Linda Lazarides (recommended in the daily Mail, Health Guardian and Hello magazine).