----- Important Nutrients -----


What About Other Supplements?

In addition to vitamins and minerals, some nutritionists suggest that people with HIV take supplements of other nutrients:

  • Acidophilus, a bacterium that grows naturally in the intestines, helps with digestion.

  • Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that may help with neuropathy and mental problems.

  • Carnitine may help prevent wasting and provide other immunologic and metabolic benefits,

  • Coenzyme Q10 may help with immune function.

  • Essential fatty acids found in evening primrose oil or flaxseed oil can help with dry skin and scalp.

  • N-Acetyl-Cysteine, an antioxidant, can help maintain body levels of glutathione. Glutathione is one of the body's main antioxidants.


Can Nutrients Be Harmful?

Most vitamins and nutrients appear to be safe as supplements, even at levels higher than the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs).

However, some can cause problems at higher doses, including Vitamin A, Vitamin D, copper, iron, niacin, selenium, and zinc. A basic program of vitamin and mineral supplementation should be safe. This would include the following, all taken according to directions on the bottle:

  • A multiple vitamin/mineral (without extra iron)
  • An antioxidant supplement with several different ingredients, and
  • A trace element supplement. There are seven essential trace elements: chromium, copper, cobalt, iodine, iron, selenium, and zinc. Some multivitamins also include trace elements.

Any other program of supplements should be based on discussion with a doctor or nutritionist. Remember that higher price may not mean better quality.


The Bottom Line

Good nutrition is very important for people with HIV. When you are HIV-positive, you will need to increase the amount of food you eat and maintain your lean body weight. Be sure to eat a balanced diet, including plenty of protein and whole grain foods, with some sugar and fat.

An exercise program will help build and maintain muscle. Drink plenty of liquids to help your body deal with any medications you are taking. Practice food safety. Keep your kitchen clean, wash foods, and be careful about food preparation and storage.

If your tap water isn't pure, drink bottled water. If you feel you need to use nutritional supplements, be sure to get some expert advice from your health care provider


Which Nutrients Are Important?

There has not been a lot of research on specific nutrients and HIV disease. However, one study showed that pregnant women in Tanzania benefited greatly from multivitamin supplementation.

Also, many nutrients interact with each other. Most nutritionists believe in designing an overall program of supplements. People with HIV may benefit from taking supplements of the following vitamins and minerals:

  • B Vitamins: Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), and Folate (Folic Acid).

  • Antioxidants, including beta-carotene (the body breaks down beta-carotene to make Vitamin A), selenium, Vitamin E (Tocopherol), and Vitamin C.

  • Magnesium and Zinc