Natural methods to boost CD4 levels may include supplementing certain vitamins, such as vitamin D. However, the quickest and most effective way to boost CD4 levels is to start antiretroviral therapy (ART).
A CD4 count is a blood test that measures the number of infection-fighting CD4 T-lymphocytes (CD4) cells in the blood. An untreated HIV infection destroys CD4 cells, so a low CD4 count can indicate HIV. However, HIV treatment can boost CD4 levels.
ART helps suppress the HIV virus, which destroys CD4 cells. Researchers continue to investigate other methods for boosting CD4 counts, but these have yielded mixed results so far.
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A typical CD4 count lies between
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that people with HIV receive ART, a type of drug treatment, to:
- boost their CD4 count
- suppress HIV viral load
- help prevent stage 3 HIV and HIV-related illnesses
The NIH does not recommend other interventions designed to increase CD4 counts outside of a clinical trial, stating that none of these interventions have proven successful in decreasing HIV-related illness and mortality during ART.
Researchers continue to investigate natural methods for boosting CD4 counts, though most have so far yielded conflicting results.
Vitamin D
A small 2021 study notes that vitamin D has anti-inflammatory effects that may help prevent the death of CD4 cells and increase CD4 cell counts.
The study investigated the effects of vitamin D on CD4 counts in 20 people receiving ART for HIV. Over 8 weeks, one group of participants received 0.5 micrograms (mcg) daily of vitamin D, while a control group received a placebo.
Those receiving vitamin D showed a significant increase in CD4 counts. The study authors concluded that vitamin D was successful in increasing CD4 cell counts and recommended it as an add-on treatment for HIV.
Similarly, a
The study found that a 4-month period of vitamin D supplementation significantly improved CD4 counts in individuals deficient in vitamin D but not in individuals with insufficient or sufficient vitamin D levels.
The study authors recommend vitamin D supplementation for children and adolescents with low CD4 counts who are receiving ART for HIV.
Multivitamins
Researchers have also investigated whether multivitamins are effective in boosting CD4 counts and promoting other positive health outcomes. To date, the research has yielded conflicting results.
A 2019 study investigated the effectiveness of multivitamin supplementation containing vitamin B-complex, vitamin C, and vitamin E among adults with HIV in Tanzania. Some of the participants had received ART, while some had not.
Although the study authors did not investigate CD4 counts directly, the multivitamin program was associated with positive health outcomes across the two groups, including improved survival and reduced incidence of tuberculosis.
A
The treatment group received the HDMA supplements, and the control group received a standard multivitamin supplement. The study found no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the following measures:
- CD4 T-lymphocyte levels
- the emergence of stage 3 HIV
- the start of ART
- mortality
The results of this study indicate that the HDMA supplement was no more effective than the standard multivitamin in increasing CD4 counts or delaying the progression of HIV.
Synbiotics
Researchers in a 2017 systematic review suggested that a reduction in CD4 cells may contribute to changes in the gut microbiome. In line with this, they proposed that probiotic supplementation may help to heal the intestinal lining, restoring CD4 levels in the intestines.
To investigate this theory, they reviewed 11 randomized controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of the following supplements on CD4 cell counts among people living with HIV:
- probiotics
- prebiotics
- synbiotics, which are a
combination of probiotics and prebiotics
Overall, the results suggested that probiotic supplementation may not change CD4 counts. However, two groups showed increased CD4 counts: females and individuals who took synbiotic supplements rather than probiotics or prebiotics alone.
Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics
Current research into whether natural methods are effective at boosting CD4 counts has conflicting results.
Natural methods that may be effective include vitamin D supplementation and synbiotics.
However, the NIH recommends that individuals with HIV receive ART to help boost their CD4 levels and prevent stage 3 HIV and HIV-related illnesses.
The NIH does not recommend alternative interventions for boosting CD4 levels outside clinical trials. It states that none of these interventions have yet to prove useful in decreasing HIV-related illnesses and mortality.
According to the NIH, people receiving ART typically show the most rapid CD4 cell recovery within the first 3 months of treatment, followed by more gradual increases with time.
Among people who maintain viral suppression while taking ART, most will eventually attain CD4 levels within the normal range of more than 500 cells/mm3.
The NIH suggests that 15% to 20% of people who begin ART with very low CD4 counts of less than 200 cells/mm3 may continue to experience abnormally low CD4 counts.
As such, early treatment with ART offers the best opportunity for maximal CD4 cell recovery among people with HIV.
What symptoms indicate a low CD4 count?
CD4 cells trigger the immune system to fight pathogens. A low CD4 count increases the risk of severe viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. A person with a low CD4 count may experience more frequent or severe symptoms of infections, including:
- coughing or shortness of breath
- gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and vomiting
- fever
- extreme fatigue
A person’s symptoms may depend on the type of infection they experience.
Does vitamin D increase CD4?
In a 2021 study, researchers associated a vitamin D supplementation regimen consisting of 0.5 mcg of vitamin D daily for 8 weeks with significant increases in CD4 counts.
Similarly, in a
However, it did not boost CD4 counts in young people with sufficient or deficient vitamin D levels.
How can someone increase their CD4 count quickly?
The NIH recommends that people with HIV receive ART as soon as possible following their HIV diagnosis to help recover their CD4 count as quickly and effectively as possible.
Researchers continue to investigate natural methods for boosting CD4 counts, including supplementation with vitamin D, multivitamins, and synbiotics, but many studies have so far yielded conflicting results.
Antiretroviral treatment (ART) is the quickest and most effective way to boost CD4 levels and help prevent stage 3 HIV. Experts recommend starting ART treatment as soon as possible following an HIV diagnosis.
People with a low CD4 count are at an increased risk of developing infections. Symptoms will depend largely on the type of infection, but they may include nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Anyone with concerning symptoms should consult a doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment, especially if they have an HIV diagnosis.