Author
Begin ME
Date
5/1986
Journal
Med Hypotheses
Abstract
We hypothesize that a relative deficiency in gamma-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic acids and in their derivatives may contribute to the development of AIDS. These polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may be the source of natural endogenous agents against AIDS by preventing the spread of viral infection due to their ability to destroy enveloped viruses, by controlling cancer development either directly due to their cytostatic and cytotoxic effects on cancer cells or indirectly by modulating the immune response and by protecting from genetic damage. Supplementation of these dietary PUFAs in the prevention, and possibly in the treatment of AIDS, is considered.
