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Vitamins and Supplements

Why do we need vitamins?

• Vitamins and minerals play many important roles in our bodies. They help us break down other foods, keep our skin, bones and eyes healthy, and help our immune system function properly.

Are there special needs for vitamins for people with HIV/AIDS?

• Some people with HIV/AIDS have low levels of certain vitamins and minerals. This may be due to not taking enough of the vitamins or not being able to absorb them from the food they eat.
• Vitamin deficiencies common in people with HIV/AIDS include: Vitamin A, B1, B6, B12, C, E and folate.
• Mineral deficiencies common in people with HIV/AIDS include: iron, selenium, magnesium and zinc.
• People with lower than normal levels of Vitamins A, the B Vitamins, Vitamin E and the mineral selenium have been found to get sick faster than the ones with normal levels of those vitamins and minerals.

How do I get enough vitamins & minerals?

• The best source of vitamins and minerals is from the food you eat. Eat a variety of food, including vegetables and fruits of different colors will give you a good source of vitamins and minerals.
• If you have good diet but are still low in some minerals and vitamins, you may take them as supplements in the form of pills or injections.
• Examples of foods rich in vitamins and minerals:
• Vitamin A: liver, milk, cheese, dark green vegetables
• Beta-Carotene (changes to Vitamin A): dark green vegetables, oranges, vegetables and fruits that are orange in color, such as papaya
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): meat, liver, nuts, grains
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): dairy products, beans, leafy vegetables
• Vitamin B6: meats, beans, nuts, vegetables, bananas
• Vitamin B12: meats, soy products
• Biotin: egg yolks, fish, beans
• Folate: meats, beans, broccoli, leafy vegetables, cantaloupe
• Niacin: chicken, fish, peanuts, dried beans
• Vitamin C: citrus fruits, dark green vegetables, bell peppers, tomatoes
• Vitamin D: sunshine (be sure to wear sunblock), milk
• Vitamin E: plant oils, leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds
• Copper: oysters, peas, beans, organ meats
• Iron: meat, liver, peas, beans, grains, eggs, fish
• Selenium: seafood, egg yolks, grains
• Magnesium: nuts, grains, dark green vegetables
• Zinc: seafood, grains, liver
• Taking too much of a vitamin can be harmful and cause side effects as well. Some vitamins do not mix well with certain medications. You should talk to a dietitian or your doctor about what vitamin and mineral supplements to take.

General nutritional recommendations on vitamins and minerals:

• 2 multivitamins per day
• 400 I.U. of Vitamin E a day if you are taking AZT or have high cholesterol or triglycerides
• 500-1000 mg Vitamin C per day if you are a smoker, have an infection or have high cholesterol or triglyceride
• 1 Vitamin B complex each day
• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables each day
• Drink 8 cups of water, juice or drinks without caffeine.

 

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