The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that damages the body's immune system. Over time it can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV itself does not kill but destroys the immune system to the extent that a person dies from severe infection or cancer. AIDS is characterised by a profound defect in cell-mediated immunity.

HIV targets the immune system cell called the CD4+T lymphocyte, which are key cells in the body's fight against infections. The HIV virus binds to 2 proteins via 2 glycoproteins in its envelope. By destroying or seriously affecting these cells our immune system is rendered defenceless. Glyconutritional supplementation, such as Ambrotose, may prevent the HIV attachment.

Where cancer develops as a result of a compromised immune system adhesion molecules hold the cancer cells together.; These adhesion molecules are glycoproteins and when these are weakened by lack of essential glyconutrients and amino acids in the diet the cancer cells are released to travel to other parts of the body, ie the cancer is able to metastasise. Supplementation with glyconutrients, and adequate amino acids in the diet, will be beneficial in preventing this from occurring.

Malnutrition and/or nutrient deficiency is common in HIV/AIDS patients, given the very strong association between nutritional status, immune function, and the progression from HIV to AIDS. It is vitally important to supply optimum levels of all nutrients - and optimum levels are considered to be higher for the HIV/AIDS patient. It is important that the nutrients (vitamins and minerals, glyconutrients, amino acids) that patients receive are utilised by the body. Glyconutrients support cell-cell communication which is vital to nutritional uptake.

Glyconutrients, such as those in Ambrotose, support the immune system in general to heal, repair, regenerate, regulate and protect itself just by giving it the raw materials it needs to do what it is pre-programmed to do.

Numerous studies have shown that individuals infected with HIV have a compromised antioxidant defence system. Blood levels of antioxidants are decreased and peroxidation products of lipids and proteins are increased in these patients. Antioxidants prevent viral replication and control free radical production.