In a statement released this week, the organisations slammed the ‘€œirresponsible’€ linking of their names to claims that vitamins and nutrition therapy alone can prevent AIDS deaths.

The Rath Foundation touts the benefits of vitamin therapy above antiretroviral therapy, claiming that the western drug therapy is toxic.

‘€œThese advertisements, placed in the international press, are wrong and misleading,’€ WHO, UNICEF and UNAIDS said in the statement.

‘€œA number of accounts published by Matthias Rath on his website and distributed as flyers and advertisements in South Africa imply that a number of United Nations bodies including WHO, UNICEF and UNAIDS endorse his approach.

‘€œThe three UN organizations are extremely concerned about these misrepresentations and note that the Rath Foundation has used quotes and information from UN agencies out of context. Misrepresentations of this sort are both dangerous and unhelpful,’€ said UNAIDS spokesperson Richard Delate.

Over the last few years, several studies have been carried out to investigate the role of micronutrient supplements on the course of HIV/AIDS disease.

The results of these studies have not been conclusive.

WHO and UNAIDS recommendations for micronutrient supplementation are similar for all people whether they are infected with HIV or not.

The statement reiterates that as in the population at large, a good diet that provides the full range of essential micronutrients is important to the health of people infected with HIV and can help bolster the immune system, boost energy levels and maintain body weight and well-being.

‘€œAlthough they may help to meet increased nutritional requirements, nutritional supplements cannot replace eating a balanced and healthy diet.

‘€œWhether a person is infected with HIV or not, WHO and UNAIDS recommend a good mixed diet, whenever possible, rather than dietary supplements. For people on antiretroviral therapy, good nutrition and clean water help treatment work more effectively,’€ Delate said.

A fact sheet – AIDS treatment, nutrition and food Supplements – is available at www.who.int/3by5/mediacentre/fsFood/en/

A statement from participants at the ‘€œConsultation on Nutrition and HIV/AIDS in Africa’€ is available at http://www.who.int/3by5/en/Participantsstatement_finalt.pdf