Vitamin A, beta-carotene may increase mother-child HIV transmission

HIV-positive women who are breastfeeding are being advised to avoid supplements containing vitamin A and beta-carotene, according to trials conducted at the University of Michigan. This is because the nutrients may increase virus excretion into the breast milk, resulting in a higher risk of their infants contracting HIV.

Researchers discovered that this can occur because the compounds increase the likelihood of subclinical mastitis, inflammation that causes blood plasma to seep into the mammary gland and the breast milk.

While these supplements man cause negative side effects in breastfeeding women who are HIV positive, researchers are concerned about other complications caused by lowering one's intake of vitamin A. This nutrient has been proven to help alleviate the symptoms and reduce the risk of postpartum depression, especially in regions where women are at risk of contracting HIV.

If a woman has become pregnant and is at risk of contracting HIV, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends she be screened as early as possible. Early diagnosis can lower the chance of the child testing positive for the virus, and allows physicians to provide the appropriate prenatal care.

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