In the News »
August-07-2008
Alltech blogs fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa
- Alltech's Sel-Plex cleared for Bison
- Alltech blogs fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa
- Sel-Plex® receives free choice allowance
- Sel-Plex - the Only Organic Selenium Authorised for use in the European Union
- FDA Clears Alltech's Sel-Plex Selenium Source for Dogs
- Sel-Plex Cleared for All Livestock Species in Canada
- Sow Trial reports on Sel-Plex and its impact on mortality and performance
[Lexington, KY] – Interested readers can follow Alltech’s efforts to fight HIV/AIDS by going to www.alltech.com/africablog.
Dr. Kate Jacques, Director of Nutrition at Alltech, and former nurse Mrs. Liz Frank, journeyed to Africa two years ago to champion the cause of nutrition’s impact on HIV/AIDS. On July 28, 2008, they returned to Africa to continue their efforts. The blog will highlight their experiences with different clinicians and societal organizations that partake in the care and treatment of people with HIV/AIDS. This blog is part of a continued effort to investigate how Alltech’s organic selenium Sel-Plex is making an impact on HIV/AIDS, one of the most devastating diseases in the world.
Sub-Saharan Africa is at the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, housing 70% of the world’s total HIV/AIDS population. Dr. Jacques states, “It is now very clear that improving selenium status can slow HIV replication. The bottom line is that the progression of HIV positive status to full blown AIDS can be slowed. This does not mean a cure, but does mean that improved selenium status is an important part of keeping people that are HIV positive stable and healthy.”
The challenge now faced is getting selenium into the diets of people in Africa. The best method to increase selenium supplementation is through the food chain. However, the population most affected by HIV/AIDS is also most affected by poverty, and diets include little animal protein and selenium. Options for increasing the selenium content of diets include adding Sel-Plex to corn meal, which is a dietary staple, and offer Sel-Plex capsules to vulnerable populations.
In order to achieve this Dr. Jacques is working with organizational groups such as: Faith’s Orphan Fund of Zambia, Siyafunda Haven and Day Care Center of South Africa, and Ladysmith Hospital of South Africa. These groups have a common goal of fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic and are providing Alltech’s Sel-Plex capsules to HIV/AIDS victims. Feedback from those taking Sel-Plex capsules and observations from relief groups has been very positive.
The road to fighting HIV/AIDS is paved with obstacles, but that doesn’t discourage Alltech’s efforts. Dr. Jacques states, “In AIDS-affected African countries we're looking for ways we can work with grass-roots programs and people to get organic selenium into the diet. If it is capsules in rural populations, we donate them. If we can promote selenium-enriched foods, we'll do it. If studies in any context are useful, we'll support them, because it is important to keep putting information in front of governments.”
To follow Alltech’s efforts in Africa, visit www.alltech.com/africablog.
