What vitamins are needed for HIV infection. Vitamins and HIV. What not to eat with HIV infection

The human immunodeficiency virus reduces the body's resistance to the action of microbial and viral agents. Nutrition in HIV plays an important role in maintaining a weakened immune system.

The peculiarity of nutrition for HIV-infected people is to provide the sick organism with the necessary amount nutrients. Weight loss is often noted during the illness. The reason for this are:

increased energy consumption;
frequent infections;
nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Patients suffer from a lack of vitamins and minerals, because due to the pronounced intestinal motility, most of these substances do not have time to be absorbed.

Diet for HIV is an important part of treatment. It involves the competent preparation of the daily menu. According to Russian and foreign nutritionists, proper nutrition for HIV includes:

daily use vegetables, fruits, legumes;
the use of "dry" sources of protein;
restriction in the diet of sweets;
sufficient amount of fats and proteins in the diet;
fractional meals, in small portions;
compliance drinking regime(at least 2 liters of water per day, if there are no renal complications).

The immune defense of the body is directly related to the sufficient caloric content of food, as well as the intake of proteins - the building material for tissues.

to maintain weight - 17 calories are consumed;
with concomitant infections - 20 calories;
with a weight deficit - 25 calories.

2. Norms of protein intake:

women - 80-100 g per day;
men - 100-150 g per day.

If the diet is not observed, the immunity deficiency increases, the body's resistance decreases, which leads to the addition of infectious diseases, including those from its own conditionally pathogenic microflora.

Features of compiling a diet depending on the symptoms

Nutrition for HIV infection must be varied depending on the severity of symptoms.

1. If nausea, vomiting or diarrhea occurs, it is recommended:

inclusion in the diet of low-fat foods;
eat every 1-2 hours, eat in small portions;
it is better to eat cold or cooled dishes;
between meals it is undesirable to lie for a long time;
ginger tea is optimal as a drink.

For eating disorders, stewed vegetables, crackers or toast are recommended as healthy foods. With severe dyspeptic symptoms, appropriate medications can be taken.

2. In case of weight loss for HIV-infected people, it is recommended:

increase in the diet of proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
the use of spices, dried fruits as a dessert;
the appointment of drugs that stimulate appetite.

With immunodeficiency, you need to eat a balanced diet. There are allowed and prohibited products.

With HIV are allowed:

bakery products made from rye or wheat flour 1st and 2nd grades;
low-fat soups, cereals, cereals, legumes;
all dishes from low-fat varieties of meat and fish;
vegetable, butter, ghee;
fatty confectionery products can be consumed once a month. Marshmallow, honey, various varieties of jams and jams are allowed without any special restrictions.
drinks - diluted juices, tea. Be careful when drinking coffee.

It is forbidden to exclude high-calorie foods from the diet protein products needed to provide the body with energy.

What foods and drinks should be limited

There are far fewer foods that should not be included in the diet of HIV-infected people. It is forbidden to use:

alcohol;
raw eggs;
poorly fried meat or fish;
unwashed vegetables and fruits;
unboiled water.

HIV-infected patients taking antiretroviral drugs should not consume laxative foods - sour-milk products, beets, pumpkin, vegetable oil, raw fruits and vegetables.

To date, the number of HIV-infected people has increased significantly in the world. The hallmark of the disease is its Negative influence on human immunity, the weakening of which affects the performance internal organs. Therefore, the primary goal in the process of HIV treatment is the need to increase the patient's immunity. Learn how to strengthen immune protection the proposed publication will help an infected person.

What is HIV and its effect on human immunity?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The main object of infection is immunity, since viral elements, entering the internal environment of the body, multiply in T-type lymphocytes, reducing their number.

Influencing human immunity, HIV contributes to its weakening and decrease in the ability to resist even mild forms of disease. Once in the body, foreign microorganisms of the infection spread rapidly, preventing the antibodies of the immune system from counteracting. The faster the cells of an infected person mutate, the less likely it is to be cured and the more likely it is to transform HIV into AIDS.

In the absence of proper treatment, an infectious disease completely affects the patient's body and destroys lymphocytes in less than ten years. Therefore, when an HIV diagnosis is detected, it is important to pay attention to the need to increase immunity in order to reduce the impact of infection on human health.

How to increase immunity in HIV?

To date, scientists and physicians have not developed a way to treat HIV infection, so the only way to maintain the viability of the patient are measures that help increase immunity.

If it is necessary to increase the resistance of the immune system of an HIV-infected person, the following recommendations must be observed:

It is important to eliminate negative emotions and stressful situations from life;
Normalization of the daily routine will help to increase immunity - allocating time for activity and rest, as well as good sleep;
A balanced intake of foods that are useful for immune protection in case of illness. The use of foods enriched with vitamins and minerals helps to increase resistance to pathogenic viruses and bacteria;
Moderate physical activity. With HIV disease, the patient may experience weight loss, so daily exercise will help keep the body in good shape;
Rejection of bad habits;
Daily exposure to fresh air helps boost immunity in HIV;
Adding vitamin supplements to your regular diet can help support a weakened immune system. It is recommended to use vitamins in the form of multivitamin complexes, since the use of only healthy foods does not make it possible to compensate for the lack of vitamins and minerals;
Folk remedies prepared on the basis of medicinal herbs and plants will help to increase the immune defense of an infected person.

Increasing immune protection with folk remedies

In folk medicine, medicinal herbs and plants are reflected, the use of which has a beneficial effect on the immune system of an infected person. Homemade folk remedies will help to increase immunity in case of HIV infection.

The following recipes for folk remedies will help to increase the immunity of an HIV-infected person:

Decoction prepared using St. John's wort. To prepare a decoction, you need 5 tablespoons of dried St. John's wort and one liter of boiling water. The healing herb is boiled for an hour, infused, cooled and filtered. 40 grams of sea buckthorn oil are added to the liquid and infused for two days. To increase immunity in HIV, the remedy is used 3-4 times a day for half a cup.

Decoction of St. John's wort to increase immunity in HIV

Syrup from healthy berries and fruits

Cowberry 400 g;
Kalina 400 g;
Apples 1 kg;
Nuts 300 g;
Sugar 2 kg;
Pure water 350 ml.

To increase immunity, the components are mixed and boiled for 30 minutes over low heat. The cooled syrup is consumed in the morning before meals, one large spoon.

Homemade syrup to strengthen the immune system

Alcohol tincture of calendula- dried flowers of the plant are poured with alcohol, vodka in a ratio of 1 to 10. The resulting liquid helps to increase immunity in HIV. To do this, it is used 3-4 times a day for half a teaspoon. There is a break every three days.

Tincture of calendula on alcohol for the immune system in HIV

Decoction of licorice root

Fresh licorice root 50 grams;
Water - half a liter;
Honey - 3 tablespoons.

The crushed root is boiled for an hour over low heat. Honey is added to the cooled filtered liquid. To increase the immunity of those infected with HIV, the tincture is consumed half a glass before meals.

Decoction of licorice root to increase immunity

Alcohol tincture with propolis. To prepare a recipe that is useful for HIV disease, you need 100 grams of crushed propolis, pour half a liter of vodka. The liquid is stirred for half an hour and infused for five days in a dark place. Strained medicine used by patients to increase resistance to the disease, 10-15 drops diluted in water 2-3 times a day.

Useful alcohol tincture with propolis for HIV

Healthy food

Weakened during the development of HIV, the immune system needs regular maintenance and strengthening. To increase the immunity of an infected person, it is necessary to regularly follow the recommendations for the management healthy lifestyle life. One of these recommendations is the daily use of food enriched with vitamins and nutrients.

List of healthy foods for immunity in HIV:

Red and white meat (must be lean). It can be chicken, beef, turkey. The use of these types of meat favorably affects human health and helps to increase immunity;
Cereals, potatoes, bread, pasta, cereals. The use of foods rich in carbohydrates maintains body weight and gives strength and energy;
Fresh vegetables and fruits- carrots, cabbage, broccoli, avocados, peppers, tomatoes, herbs, apples, bananas, citrus fruits, raspberries, blueberries, cherries. The use in the daily diet of products containing large amounts of vitamins and minerals, allows you to increase immunity and maintain efficiency;
Dairy products- milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, butter, kefir saturate the body with calcium;
Seafood(especially fatty fish), enriched with Omega 3. The useful substance compensates for the lack of vitamins and helps to increase immunity in HIV.

good vitamins

In addition to the previous recommendations for maintaining a proper lifestyle and maintaining the immune system in the presence of HIV, it is important to pay attention to the need to supplement the daily diet with vitamin supplements. The intake of healthy foods does not properly saturate the human body, so the use of a vitamin complex makes up for the deficiency of the necessary trace elements.

The following vitamins will help increase immunity with HIV:

Vitamin A- the use of multivitamin complexes, which include a useful substance, allows you to strengthen the local immunity of the mucous membranes and increase general immunity;
Vitamin B1- supports the metabolism in the body of an HIV-infected person (amino acids and carbohydrates), and also normalizes the functioning of the nervous system;
Vitamin B2- the use of a useful substance as a vitamin supplement, promotes the formation and development cellular elements, and also promotes carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism;
Vitamin B6- helps to increase the immunity of an HIV patient and normalize the functioning of the nervous system. The presented trace element must be consumed regularly, since when taking certain medications, it is excreted from the body of the infected;
Vitamin B12- activates the formation of red blood cells and prevents the risk of anemia and neurological diseases;
Vitamin C- the main source in the fight against pathogens of infectious diseases. Its regular use allows you to increase the immunity of HIV-infected people;
Selenium- must be consumed, since this mineral is indispensable for the immune defense of HIV patients. Its intake in vitamin supplements or food helps to increase the protective functions of the internal environment;
Zinc- the use of the substance contributes general strengthening organism during the fight against infectious diseases.

HIV-infected people are among the most vulnerable category of sick people, since the immune system of the patient, which is responsible for the general state of health, suffers during the development of the disease. Therefore, when a disease is detected, it is important for an infected person to follow the recommendations that will help increase immunity and avoid the development of additional diseases.

In other words, any disease of the patient can cause his death.

For the first time they started talking about it in 1981, and over the next few years, HIV, AIDS, as well as a method for diagnosing them, were identified. In Russia, AIDS was first registered in 1987 in a homosexual man who worked as an interpreter in African countries.

Scientists are still arguing about the origin of this disease, but medicine does not yet know the exact answer to this question.

Causes of HIV, AIDS

You can become infected with this disease:

During sexual contact, since this virus is able to accumulate in semen, especially if a person has some inflammatory diseases;
While using one needle;
Transfusion of infected blood;
During pregnancy from mother to child;
During treatment from patients to doctors and vice versa, although the percentage of such infection is very low;

It is also important to remember that HIV cannot be contracted by:

1 When sneezing and coughing;
2 Shaking hands, kissing or hugging;
3 When consumed shared drinks and food;
4 In saunas, baths and pools;
5 After “injections” with infected needles in transport, since the content of the virus on them is extremely low, and it does not remain in the environment for long.

It should be noted that there is a risk of infection if biological fluids e.g. saliva, feces, tears, there is blood.

Symptoms of HIV, AIDS:

Doctors note various symptoms on different stages diseases, however, there are also general ones in which a person should suspect the presence of HIV infection, namely:

Fever of unknown origin for more than 7 days;
Enlarged lymph nodes (cervical, inguinal, axillary) without any reason;
Diarrhea for several weeks;
Signs of oral thrush;
Extensive herpes;
Lack of appetite;
Sudden weight loss.

Phases of HIV:

1 Acute febrile - manifests itself after 3-6 weeks from the moment of infection;
2 Asymptomatic - can last about 10 years;
3 Expanded, or AIDS.

Useful products for AIDS

Patients suffering from this disease need to learn to live with it. Of course, from the moment of infection, their life will be significantly different, in addition, they will have to adhere to a number of rules, including limiting communication with animals, people who suffer from colds, as well as diet.

It is important to remember that with HIV, adhere to special diets not worth it, because the body at this time more than ever requires a whole complex beneficial vitamins and substances. That is why nutrition should be balanced and high-calorie. It should contain all the minerals, fiber, and also liquid, as malnutrition can lead to poor health.

It is useful to eat all types of meat, for example, beef, pork, chicken, lamb. The main thing is that it undergoes thorough heat treatment, and is not raw inside. Any poisoning at this point is highly undesirable;
It is also very important to include cooked fish in your diet. Although shellfish and sushi (with raw fish) are excluded;
Pasteurized milk and dairy products made from pasteurized milk are useful, as this drink contains over 100 useful substances, as well as a complex of amino acids and trace elements, including B vitamins, potassium and calcium;
It is useful to use boiled eggs, as they are not only high-calorie and nutritious, but also contain a number of vitamins (A, B, C, D, H, PP, K) and trace elements (manganese, chromium, fluorine, cobalt, potassium, calcium and others);
Important to add to your diet different kinds cereals, for example, buckwheat, oatmeal, barley, millet, etc., as they nourish and enrich the body with useful substances;
We must not forget about the liquid and not limit its consumption. Suitable fruit juices, compotes, syrups, as they saturate the body with vitamins and minerals, or just water without gas;
AT given period various types of nuts will be especially useful, as they are high in calories and, moreover, contain whole complex useful substances;
Pasta and rice, as well as foods rich in starch, should be present in the diet of a person suffering from HIV, as they nourish well and normalize blood sugar levels;
Boiled, canned and baked fruits and cooked vegetables are also useful, as they are a storehouse of vitamins and minerals.

Folk remedies for HIV treatment

Unfortunately, HIV is still an incurable disease. However, to reduce the harm to the body that it brings, doctors use medicines, and traditional healers advise turning to Chinese traditional medicine, naturopathy, homeopathy, reflexology, aromatherapy, yoga, contact therapy, herbal medicine, and even just positive thinking.

Also, many talk about the so-called method of treatment with aloe preparations. It consists in injections under the skin of the thigh 1 ml once a day. aqueous extract this plant for 1 month. After that, you need to take a break for 30 days and continue treatment. For this, throughout next month it is necessary to inject 1 ml of this agent under the skin daily. This course of treatment must be repeated annually for 3 years.

Dangerous and harmful foods for AIDS

raw meat and raw fish, shellfish, as they may contain pathogenic bacteria;
Raw milk and raw eggs. It is also worth remembering that the latter can be found in homemade mayonnaise, ice cream, milkshakes, hollandaise sauce and other homemade dishes;
You can not eat foods that have come into contact with the blood of raw meat, water from fish and seafood for the same reason;
Do not eat lettuce and other vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled or cooked. This is due to the fact that on such a peel there can be harmful microorganisms. Before cooking, all fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed;
With this disease, it is highly undesirable to eat fatty foods, less often whole grains if they cause diarrhea;
It is also better to exclude coffee, tea, and other products that contain caffeine from your diet. It is known to leach calcium from the bones and have an adverse effect on the human nervous system;
With HIV, it is worth excluding alcoholic beverages from your diet, as they act destructively on the human body;

Rules to follow for people with HIV:

Eliminate all raw or semi-raw foods that may contain harmful microorganisms;
Use special boards for cutting food, which must be thoroughly washed with soap and hot water each time;
Thoroughly wash all utensils before each next use. And even trying each new dish is necessary with a clean spoon;
Hot foods are best served warm, and cold foods cool.

Nutrition for other diseases:

Seasonal products from our catalog:

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For persons over 16 years old

The administration is not responsible for attempting to apply any recipe, advice or diet, and also does not guarantee that the information provided will help and will not harm you personally. Be prudent and always consult the appropriate doctor!

Proper nutrition in HIV infection. 5 step guide

Doctors say that people living with HIV need to eat better, it is important to maintain and strengthen the immune system. Sounds simple, but when it comes to practice, it all just gets terribly complicated. Where to begin? What's the best thing to do?

First of all, good nutrition is not about counting calories and weighing each slice of bread. You also don’t need to completely change your diet and eating habits. All you need to become a triumphant warrior is a battle plan. In the case of meals, your battle plan is the menu.

So how do you win in the kitchen? Do not be afraid, we are ready to help you use the power of nutrition effectively. In this article, you'll find five steps for planning a daily meal that will meet your nutritional needs, as well as a sample menu for one day and a list of great foods to have on hand in the kitchen.

Here's how it works: start with one of the steps at any number and follow it until you get desired result. Then move on to the next step. Don't get discouraged if you deviate from the plan. The next breakfast, lunch or dinner is always another chance to get things right.

1. Start with fruits and vegetables

Include fresh, frozen, canned or dried vegetables and fruits, as well as vegetable or fruit juices in your diet. Eat more fruits and drink less juice.
There are many healthy foods in this category. Serving sizes are small enough (about ½ cup/125 ml) that you can eat two servings of the same fruit or vegetable (for example, 1 cup/250 ml boiled carrots).
If you currently eat one serving a day, try adding a few more servings, even if you don't get seven. Distribute fruits and vegetables throughout the day at all meals and snacks.
Pick fruits and vegetables of different colors. Try including one dark green (eg, broccoli, spinach, kale) and one orange (eg, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, pepper) vegetable in your diet each day.
Some people with HIV may not be able to tolerate this amount of fruits and vegetables due to their high fiber content. Eat as much as you can.

2. Then add cereals

6 servings daily for women, 8 for men

Include in your diet foods such as bread or bagels, pasta, hot and cold cereals, rice, barley and couscous (millet or whole wheat). A serving is about 1 slice of bread, ½ pita bread, or ½ cup/125 ml of rice, pasta, or couscous.
Divide portions across all meals. For example, you can eat two servings for each breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The rest can be a snack.
Try to choose whole grains(e.g. whole wheat, oats, flax, millet, buckwheat, brown or wild rice).

3. Add Dairy Products or Dairy Substitutes

Include cow or goat milk, cheese, yogurt, kefir, and milk substitutes (such as soy, almond, or rice milk) in your diet. Portion of cheese - 50 g; yogurt ¾ cup / 175 ml; cow's milk or soy milk - 1 cup / 250 ml.
If you need extra protein or calories, or if you have osteopenia (too thin bones), you may need more than three servings.
When choosing a milk replacer, make sure it is fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

4. Serve with meat and meat substitutes

Include animal products such as meat, fish, poultry, and eggs in your diet, as well as legumes (peas, lentils, and beans), tofu, peanut butter, nuts, and seeds (in " practical guide on Nutrition provides a long list of animal and vegetarian sources of protein and their serving sizes).
Eat three or more servings if you need extra protein.

5. Add some fats and oils

Aim for about 2-3 teaspoons (15-30 ml) of fat per day, including butter, vegetable oil, sauces, margarine, and mayonnaise.
Examples of healthy fats and oils include olive, canola, linseed, and nut oils, nuts, and avocados. They contain more monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids.

Sample menu for one day

Breakfast

afternoon tea

Evening snack (to take medication)

Plan ahead. Start by planning your main meal for the next two to three days. Move on to planning the menu for the week. Make a list of the products you will need.
Take this list to the grocery store and be sure to grab a bite to eat before you go. This way you will avoid impulsive purchases.
Don't buy large packs of junk food if you can't resist buying it.
Read information about nutritional value and ingredients on food packaging. A nutritionist will help you understand how to interpret this information.
Carry with you healthy foods for snacks. Then you won't buy healthy food or fast food if you feel hungry.
Try to eat more fresh, unprocessed foods and whole grains. Over time, you will simply walk past the shelves with semi-finished products.
Consider improving your culinary skills. Open the recipe book and start from the very basics. Simple products made from natural ingredients are not only healthier and easier to prepare, they are often cheaper as well.
If you're paid once a month, stock up on foods like oats, peanut butter, canned fish, brown rice, pasta, canned lentils, black beans, beans, pea soup, and frozen vegetables.

David Maclay, PhD, writer and editor of CATIE.

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Proper nutrition in the presence of HIV infection

Proper nutrition during HIV infection affects the quality of life of people infected with the virus. HIV infection can lead to malnutrition, bad diet with HIV can accelerate the development of the disease. HIV infection and its treatment affects the human body and its health. It has an impact not only on the functionality of the immune system, but also on the overall energy requirements and the requirements for nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

Increased energy needs of the affected organism, insufficient energy intake, diarrhea and opportunistic infections have the largest share in creating malnutrition among HIV-positive individuals. Insufficient food intake is often caused by lack of appetite, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, and depression. HIV infection increases energy requirements in asymptomatic individuals by approximately 10%. The consequence of malnutrition is, first of all, a violation of the body's immune defenses and, associated with this, increased risk other infections.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among HIV-infected people in developed countries is about 40-50%.

The condition of HIV-infected people who are overweight or obese is often characterized by high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol. These symptoms subsequently lead to the development of chronic noncommunicable diseases, the so-called civilizational diseases, which include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and others.

The causes of overweight and obesity among HIV-positive people are the same as in other population groups - low physical activity, not balanced diet and excessive energy consumption.

How to eat right? What is possible and what is not?

If you feel well, your current diet meets the nutritional needs of the body, and only in exceptional cases will it be necessary to radically change eating habits.

Diet plays an important role in the development of relapse and, good nutrition can lead to faster and effective change beneficial to human health. Improper nutrition weakens the body, reduces immunity and can contribute to the development of the so-called. opportunistic infections.

Healthy eating - what foods to eat, what drinks to drink?

Check your weight regularly to know if you are eating enough (weigh-in once a week is recommended). your appearance diet also helps. The body requires a change in diet depending on the season (winter involves the inclusion in the diet of more of these essential substances like vitamins, and even calories). Be sure to check with your doctor for changes to your diet. Drink only pure drinking water. In areas where water quality is questionable, opt for bottled or boiled water. Eat only fresh or properly cooked foods.

A balanced diet should include the following components:

1. Carbohydrates, for example: bread, rice, potatoes, oatmeal, cereals, etc. These products provide the body not only with carbohydrates, but also with proteins and minerals.

Try to eat 4-6 servings of these foods every day, with one serving equal to:

1 slice of bread;
1 cup cooked pasta;
1 cup of oatmeal;
1 medium potato.

These foods should form the basis of your healthy diet.

2. Fruits and vegetables provide the body with vitamins, fiber, carbohydrates, minerals and trace elements

Try to eat them 5 servings a day, while one serving is equal to:

1 kg. fresh fruit;
1 handful of dried fruits;
1 glass of fruit juice.

3. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, nuts or tofu (soy cheese) will provide the body with proteins, vitamins and minerals

Try to eat 2-3 servings of these well-cooked foods every day; one portion is equal to:

4. Milk and Dairy Products Provide Protein, Calcium and Vitamins to the Body

Try to eat 3 servings of these foods a day; one portion is equal to:

a glass of pasteurized or boiled milk;
1 yogurt;
30 g of cheese, preferably fat-free.

5. Fats and oils supply the body with energy, fatty acids and provide fat-soluble vitamins

There is no daily dose defined for these products, but the rule that applies when you consume them is that the more you consume them, the more fat you will store in your body, unless at the same time you give out more energy, for example, during sports activity.

Some people choose low-fat foods to keep fit. However, if you have metabolic problems, it is advisable to increase your dietary fat intake wisely. This rule does not apply if the person is suffering from diarrhea. In this case, it is better to consult a doctor at an AIDS center.

Although it is not necessary to include them in the diet, sweets do provide energy to the body, so in some cases, their consumption may not be prohibited and even desirable, for example, if a person is in a phase of drastic weight loss. Suitable, for example, the consumption of honey and grape sugar (the name "sugar" in this case does not mean "harm"). Some people may develop problems with fungal infections (candidiasis) in their mouths after eating refined sugar, although this is not common.

If you think you are underweight and fear that if you develop health problems, you will lose more weight, include carbohydrates, sugars and proteins in your diet. If you regularly exercise, such as strength exercises or swimming, these substances will help maintain and strengthen muscles. This is important, because loss of muscle mass during any illness in people with HIV/AIDS is a common, significant event.

7. Vitamins, minerals and trace elements

Many people infected with HIV suffer from a lack of vitamins, minerals and trace elements already in the early stages of infection, so daily use is recommended:

Or 1 tablet of a multivitamin preparation with trace elements;
Either vitamin C, E and A 1 tablet daily;
Or trace elements (chromium, copper, iron, selenium and zinc) 1 time per day.

It is appropriate after a monthly vitamin course to take a break for at least 2 weeks, supplementing the diet with natural vitamins from fresh vegetables and fruits. Not all vitamin supplements are suitable, and large amounts can even be harmful. The balance of minerals such as sodium, phosphorus and magnesium has importance for the organism, and is necessary for the life of an infected person.

The body requires 7 essential micronutrients to function. These include:

Although they are present in the body in large quantities, their consumption is necessary.

Some people infected with HIV receive regular special vitamins, minerals and micronutrients in tablet form to boost their immune systems. Studies have shown that these individuals may have reduced levels in the body of such vitamins and minerals as A, C, E, B6, B12, zinc, selenium, etc., compared with uninfected people. Thus, they are advised to supplement the use of vitamins and minerals in the form of tablets or vitamin drinks. In this context, it should be noted that some vitamins, when taken in excessive doses may adversely affect health. This applies, for example, to the following products:

It is found in carrots, spinach, and tomatoes. High doses of vitamin A, for example, can damage the liver and bones, cause vomiting and headaches. Pregnant women should consult their physician for the exact dosage, as high doses may cause fetal harm.

Doses above 800 mg/day adverse effect people with hemophilia and people taking anti-clotting medications.

Doses above 75 mg/day can lead to copper and iron deficiencies, which in turn can lead to changes in blood composition, but even doses above 15 mg/day have been shown to adversely affect the course of HIV infection, according to some studies.

High daily doses of selenium can lead to decreased immunity.

High doses (10-50 mg/day) may lead to peripheral neuropathy.

Some molecules in the human body require "free" oxygen to live. This means they are looking for other suitable molecules, often at the expense of other important molecules. In this state, they are called free radicals. The HIV virus uses free radicals as its building block. free radicals are activated at the moment when the copying of the genetic material necessary for the reproduction of the HIV virus occurs. There are some natural antioxidants, but only those that play an important role in fighting HIV (such as vitamin C, E and A) should be included in the diet.

Most HIV-infected people do not need to drastically change their eating habits. However, it is essential that their diet is in accordance with proper nutrition.

Taking vitamins

HIV-infected people are vulnerable to deficiency of B vitamins (especially B6, B12, B1 and B2), folic acid, vitamin C, D and E.

B vitamins are important for the proper functioning of the immune and nervous systems. Their sources are milk, meat and eggs, whole grains of cereals, legumes and yeast.

Vitamin C has an antioxidant effect and is essential for the immune system and antibody production. Its sources are mainly fresh vegetables and fruits.

Vitamins A, D and E are fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin A promotes vision, especially in dim light. Its sources are mainly red and yellow vegetables and fruits, as well as egg yolk, liver, dairy products and fish. Vitamin D affects the immune system and the proper absorption of calcium. Formed in the skin under the influence of UV radiation. In the diet, important sources of it are fish and fish fat. Vitamin E is also essential for the body due to its antioxidant activity. Its sources are vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.

Mineral intake

In HIV-positive people, attention is focused, in particular, on the quality bone tissue, at the level of iron, zinc and selenium in the blood. Bone density can be affected by the use of antiretroviral drugs, but low physical activity and lack of vitamin D and calcium can also contribute to its deterioration. Well-absorbed sources of calcium are milk and dairy products. Non-dairy sources include bone-in sardines and some vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower).

Iron is an essential component of the blood, and acts as an oxygen carrier. Its highly digestible source is red meat (venison, beef, and pork), organ meats, fish, and egg yolk. From vegetable sources First of all, legumes (peas, lentils, beans, soybeans), nuts and seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) are worth attention.

Zinc is involved in wound healing and promotes cellular immunity. Zinc deficiency leads to decreased appetite. Its sources are mainly red meat, dairy products, eggs, nuts and seeds.

Selenium is involved in antioxidant processes, and is essential for cellular immunity. Sources of selenium in the diet are mainly meat and offal, as well as mushrooms, cheese, nuts and seeds.

In order to provide the body with all the necessary vitamins and minerals, a varied diet is very important; if necessary, on the recommendation of a doctor, you can take nutritional supplements.

Strengthening the immune system in the presence of HIV infection

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains one of the most terrible diseases, which affects the human immune system, disrupting its normal functioning and depriving it of its protective properties. At the same time, medicine continues to look for ways to combat this disease, and, I must say, achieves certain positive results. However, despite all the achievements modern medicine, experts consider one of the most important factors that helps to cope with many manifestations of HIV, proper nutrition. Why is a balanced diet so important for people suffering from this disease? To what extent is it necessary for such people to adhere to a balanced and rational intake of nutrients?

As you know, nutrition is a whole complex of processes, which means the absorption of food, its dissolution in the body and all the ensuing consequences for our health. Nutrients are defined as certain foods and micronutrients (such as vitamins and minerals) that allow the body to function properly and prevent disease. If we talk about the benefits of proper nutrition for those suffering from HIV infection, then this is not surprising, since proper nutrition is useful and necessary for any person, even for a completely healthy person. By eating so-called healthy foods and maintaining your body weight at a certain normal level, you strengthen your immune system, helping it slow the progression of HIV infection. This makes taking medications more effective. It also makes it easier for the body to cope with other diseases caused by opportunistic pathogens. Proper nutrition also helps the body of a person suffering from HIV infection to better tolerate treatment and improves general well-being, which again plays into the hands of the immune system of the sick organism.

HIV INFECTION AND NUTRIENT DIGESTION

HIV infection leads to poor absorption of nutrients; poor assimilation of nutrients leads to an exacerbation of the symptoms of this disease. What leads to this vicious circle? According to experts, the main reasons for this closed circuit are the following factors.

1. Increasing the body's need for nutrients.

When the human body is affected by some infectious disease, the human immune system spends more energy and nutrients than usual on the work of protecting against viruses. In other words, if we are talking about infection caused by opportunistic pathogens, human body needs more nutrients. People who are diagnosed with HIV very often have to replace the loss of protein that occurs due to the so-called malabsorption (inability to properly absorb food that enters the intestines), accompanied by diarrhea. In turn, the loss of protein leads to weakening and damage. muscle tissue. The very fact of having such a serious disease as HIV can significantly increase the level of stress in the patient, which also negatively affects the functioning of the immune system. During this extremely stressful period, a person needs certain nutrients that will allow him to keep the immune system working at the proper level.

2. Reduced food intake.

-- Constantly occurring infectious diseases very often lead to a deterioration in appetite. Treatment medicines also has a suppressive effect on appetite, along with such psychological factors like depression and increased levels of anxiety.

-- physical symptoms, such as inflammation of the mouth and throat, also interfere with normal food intake.

-- Constant fatigue interferes with the regular preparation of meals, and even the very process of eating can cause fatigue when it comes to the presence of a disease such as HIV infection.

-- It is no secret that keeping the body working in the presence of HIV infection is a very costly business. Very often this leads to the fact that the patient simply does not have the funds for normal nutrition.

3. Problems with digestion.

The human immunodeficiency virus, along with other infectious diseases, leads to damage to the intestinal walls. This process interferes with the normal digestion of food, as well as the digestive process in general. All this threatens to result in a condition called malabsorption (impaired absorption), which is accompanied by diarrhea. As a result, lack of nutrients and abnormal nutrition in general, leads to rapid weight loss.

Break the vicious circle!

As mentioned above, the presence of HIV infection leads to malnutrition, and malnutrition in HIV patients, in turn, is the cause of a weakened immune system. At first glance, it is impossible to break this vicious circle. However, there are a number of interventions that are based on the creation of a balanced diet that can help people with HIV cope with the many consequences of this infection. As you know, a healthy balanced diet means balanced diet, thanks to which the human body receives the entire useful range of nutrients in the required amount. The main goal that every person suffering from HIV infection should achieve is to maintain an ideal body for their height and weight. It is necessary to minimize the loss of muscle tissue mass, to prevent deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the body. To do this, it is necessary to draw up a daily menu that will include only healthy and safe foods, and eliminate all causes that can interfere with normal nutrition and adequate absorption of nutrients. In order to help HIV patients cope with this task, experts recommend a special plan consisting of seven points.

Paragraph 1: If a person has already been given a terrible diagnosis of HIV, then he should pay attention to his diet as soon as possible. From this point on, you must always keep track of everything that will be eaten.

Point 2: AT without fail it is necessary to discuss all the nuances of future nutrition with doctors and nutritionists. First of all, it makes sense to listen to those experts who have experience in treating patients diagnosed with HIV. As a rule, in any fairly large city there are special communities and organizations that will tell you who to contact and direct the patient's efforts in the right direction.

Point 3: It must be remembered that the diet of a person with HIV infection should be very diverse. Ideally, it should include the following types of products.

-- carbohydrate food products such as bread, rice, potatoes, cereal dishes, oatmeal, semolina, corn porridge, wheat porridge, pasta dishes and so on. These foods have a high energy value, which means they help the body maintain body weight at the same level, preventing a sharp decrease in it. That is why these products should become the basis of nutrition for any person diagnosed with HIV.

-- Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and other components that are vital to health. That is why these products should be in the diet of a patient with HIV infection daily. Vitamins are known to strengthen the immune system, strengthen lung tissue and improve digestive processes, helping to reduce the risk of penetration of infectious microorganisms into the blood. Required in daily diet include at least very small portions of fresh vegetables and fruits. If you consume only cooked vegetables and fruits, this will not bring much benefit, since the vitamin balance in such food is disturbed.

-- Meat and dairy products help to ensure that the human body receives the protein necessary for muscles, which also helps to strengthen the immune system. Excellent sources of protein are poultry, pork, beef, dairy products (milk, milk powder, yogurt, butter, cheeses). Interesting fact: In some countries where it is customary to eat insects, people get more protein than we do from eating animal meat.

-- Beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, soybeans, and tofu are all great sources of protein, which is especially important information for those trying to avoid meat.

-- Sugar, fats and various oils supply our body necessary energy. That is why you can not completely deny yourself the consumption of these products. Moreover, during the period of intensive weight loss or rampant infection, the consumption of these products must be intensified. In addition to simply adding sugar to some foods (for example, milk cereals), it is recommended to consume glucose in other foods (cakes, pastries, biscuits and other types of desserts). Fats and essential oils are also found in butter, margarine, lard, cream, mayonnaise and salad dressing. However, such a diet must be agreed with the attending physician, since in the advanced stages of HIV infection, these products can cause diarrhea.

Item 4: Engage in muscle-strengthening exercise. As mentioned above, weight loss in people suffering from HIV infection is associated with a loss of muscle mass. Regular physical activity, such as regular walks, will help you keep some of your strong muscles. Any physical exercises in this state must be performed without strain, and immediately stop their implementation if you observe certain exacerbations of your condition, manifested in the form chronic fatigue, diarrhea, cough and so on.

Item 5: Drink at least eight glasses of fluid a day ( plain water and other drinks). This is especially important if you suffer from diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or night sweats that lead to weight loss.

Item 6: Avoid alcohol in any form (wine, beer, whiskey, rum, gin, vodka, alcoholic cocktails - in short, anything that contains at least a little alcohol). Alcohol can easily damage the liver of a person with HIV infection, especially if they are taking medication. Alcohol is also responsible for the lack of vitamins in the body, which puts the patient at risk of developing various additional infectious diseases. Do not forget about another problem that can happen to the patient HIV human in the state alcohol intoxication. The fact is that such patients most often enter into unprotected sexual contacts, precisely being in a state of intoxication, which endangers the health and life of their sexual partners.

Item 7: Try to consume in sufficient quantities the full range of essential vitamins and minerals. The following trace elements are especially important:

-- Vitamin C helps to recover faster after infectious diseases. Excellent sources of vitamin C are: citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons), mangoes, tomatoes, potatoes.

-- Vitamin A helps keep the inner and outer walls of the lungs and intestines healthy. Also, this vitamin is good for the skin. As you know, infections contribute to the removal of vitamin A from the body of a sick person, which means that it must be replenished using the following sources containing this trace element: dark greens such as spinach, broccoli, green peppers, and so on; yellow, orange and red fruits and vegetables such as pumpkin, carrots, peaches, apricots, mangoes and so on. Vitamin A is also found in animal liver, butter, cheeses and chicken eggs.

-- Vitamin B6 helps maintain a healthy immune and nervous system. This vitamin is actively excreted from the body when taking certain medications for the treatment of various infectious diseases. A good source of vitamin B6 are legumes, potatoes, meat, fish, chicken, watermelon, maize, various cereals, nuts, avocados, broccoli, green leafy vegetables.

-- Selenium, which is found in whole grain foods, is an essential micronutrient for the immune system of a person suffering from HIV infection. This substance is found in white bread, bran bread, corn, maize and millet. Selenium is also found in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, peanuts, legumes, and nuts.

-- An important trace element is zinc, which is found in the required amount in meat, fish, chicken meat, edible shellfish and crustaceans, whole grain cereals, corn, legumes, peanuts and dairy products.

Flavonoids (phenolic compounds synthesized by plants) and phytosterols (also plant components) are natural substances, which can significantly strengthen the immune system. These trace elements are found mainly in vegetables and fruits. Flavonoids are found in citrus fruits, apples, berries, red grapes, carrots, onions, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, pepper, and also in green tea. Phytosterols are found in a variety of foods, including seafood, peas, nuts, seeds (particularly sunflower and sesame seeds), and whole, unprocessed grains.

Nutritional supplements for the body of a person suffering from HIV infection.

When it comes to a healthy person, vitamin and mineral supplements are not obligatory part a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Many products contain such a quantity and combination of micronutrients that are beneficial for health, which is simply not found in any vitamin tablets and pills. At the same time, various multivitamin and multimineral complexes can be very useful when it comes to patients with the human immunodeficiency virus. The reason for this, as mentioned above, is that the body's needs for vitamins and minerals, in this case, increase significantly. However, when taking various vitamin and mineral complexes, you must adhere to the following rules:

-- Take multivitamins only on a full stomach, that is, after eating.

-- It is usually much better to take one multivitamin and mineral pill a day than to take several pills containing these micronutrients individually.

-- Never take more than the amount of vitamins and minerals prescribed by your doctor. High doses of vitamins can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and even lead to problems with the liver and kidneys. And excessive consumption of vitamin A and zinc does have a negative effect on the human body. reverse effect by weakening his immune system.

Related materials

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How stress lowers the immune system

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Nutritional Supplements for the Immune System: Pros and Cons

How to Boost Immunity with Micronutrients

4 comments

Well, you write such nonsense. TERRIBLE DISEASE. Almost from the first days you will start to rot and lose weight. I have been living with HIV for 10 years and nothing terrible happens, I go in for sports, I drink vitamins, for 10 years I was ill with pneumonia once, I endured it easily. There are many acquaintances with HIV who also do not suffer much. Those who take poison therapy begin to die. It is poison. Genocide. There are side effects, up to death. So people, don't fool yourself

Vitamin B12 is involved in the processes of transmethylation, hydrogen transfer, activates the synthesis of methionine. By enhancing the synthesis and ability to accumulate protein in the body, uianookbalamin also has an anabolic effect.

By increasing the phagocytic activity of leukocytes and activating the activity of the reticuloendothelial system, cyanookbalamin enhances immunity. Low levels of cyanocobalamin double the rate of disease progression in people with AIDS.

Also, vitamin B12 plays an important role in the regulation of the function of hematopoietic organs: it takes part in the synthesis of purine and pyrimidine bases, nucleic acids necessary for the process of erythropoiesis, and actively influences the accumulation of compounds containing sulfhydryl groups in erythrocytes.

A wide range of emotional and cognitive abilities. maintenance optimal level of this vitamin helps prevent depression, senile dementia and mental confusion, helps curb decay mental activity as a result of AIDS.

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At least some significant deficiency of this substance occurs only in strict vegetarians (of those that are called raw foodists) or with malabsorption in certain diseases. If you are not a victim of anorexia nervosa and not an alcoholic who has been drinking heavily for 10 years, you do not need this.

With HIV, you need to quit smoking as soon as possible.

HIV should begin antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible.

Here's what you need to do as quickly as possible, because. this is from the category of what directly affects your forecast.

HIV+ FORUMS Health and living with HIV

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By the way, in SELZINK - the content of selenium is 0.05.

2 arbuzik - well, I also asked the doctor, she hesitated, hesitated, expressed some super duper terms and in the end nothing concrete! although there are even many articles and information, for selenium!

well IRINA, I will refer to your experience 🙂 thanks!

2 Lena - well, how exactly at the rate: as usual, drink for two months, then rest for a month. there are 60 tablets of them.

If you already use these vitamins and supplements, then you should buy those that contain Se in the form of an amino acid chelate, and not an inorganic compound. Triviplus was such a drug, it is no longer purchased.

To drink or not to drink? Everything is useful that crawled into the mouth (c)
You will not get any global sense. And drinking, paying tribute to fashion .. Maybe there is some benefit, but so far it has not been recorded in any study. However, people are already constantly drinking something - vitamins, cleaners, supplements for hair and nails, tea, finally.

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On the other hand, if a substance is in short supply because a virus is using it (for example, this is the case with zinc), an increase in the level of the substance in the blood will encourage HIV to multiply and worsen the disease. (Therefore, zinc-based supplements may lead to faster development of HIV infection, although they improve the well-being of people in the AIDS stage.)

Zinc. Doses above 75 mg are associated with copper deficiency, neutropenia and anemia, and doses above 15 mg per day may cause progression of HIV infection.

itata
As you said? 750 mg is enough to poison 5-6 people, at least. To death (not a joke).

I didn't say it, it's written on http://aids.ru/whatnext/vitamin.shtml!

At Nedzelsky, apparently, the editors are no longer good for hell. I authoritatively declare to you that 750 mg is at least 10 average lethal doses of this trace element.
The usual, so to speak, therapeutic, dosage of selenium is 30-40 mcg.

For those who are faced with the problem of immunodeficiency, it is especially important to saturate the body with all the necessary nutrients to maintain its functioning. Vitamins for HIV help strengthen the immune system of the patient. It is worth considering the fact that their deficit must be constantly replenished.

But it should be remembered that the indiscriminate use of supplements can have Negative consequences, since the necessary therapy regimen and the appropriate dosage should be prescribed by the doctor after the tests.

A, B 1 , B6, B 12 , E, D - vitamins for HIV-infected people, which are prescribed most often. But it is worth remembering that excessive use of even such beneficial substances can lead to side effects. In addition, there are cases when taking certain vitamins is contraindicated. It is very important that during therapy with immunodeficiency virus not to allow oversaturation of individual substances. What vitamins to drink with HIV and what treatment regimen to use? Answers to these questions must be agreed with the attending physician.

into the body useful elements come from food. To do this, an appropriate diet is compiled so that the infected patient receives the required amount of certain nutrients (no more and no less). In addition, nutritional supplements are used. They are consumed with food to enhance the concentration of nutrients in it.

Therefore, it is important to know which vitamins for HIV, which supplements are best used so that they are useful in one case or another.

What vitamins to drink with HIV infection?

Scientists do not give a definite answer to this question. Studies in South Africa have shown that among people taking vitamin complexes for HIV infection every day, there was a decrease in the mortality rate and a slower development of AIDS. But this study concerns a group of people who do not have the opportunity to fully eat.

Often, doctors recommend taking Complivit vitamins for HIV, since it is the complex use of nutrients that helps the best. Complivit contains selenium. He, according to scientists, in the early stages inhibits the development of immunodeficiency.

In general, what vitamins can be taken with HIV - you should ask your doctor. Only after a thorough diagnosis, it is possible to determine the deficiency in the body of certain substances and prescribe an appropriate treatment regimen.

Below are some of the most beneficial vitamins for HIV infection and their names, as well as foods that contain them in the greatest amount.

Retinol (A). Closely related to immunity. Its deficiency can be caused both by the virus itself, and be the result of poor absorption of nutrients by the body. So that the trace element does not turn into an immunomodulator, the duration of the course of therapy should not exceed 20 days.

Sources of retinol are the following foods:

Thiamine (B 1). Responsible for the work of muscles, as well as for amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. In addition, thiamine contributes to the normalization of the functions of the nervous system. The element sources are;

Riboflavin (B2) is needed by the body to produce glutathione. Thanks to riboflavin, cells develop, and carbohydrates, proteins and fats are exchanged in the body. Element Sources:

Cobalamin (B 12) is a reliable protection for nerve tissues from neurological diseases and all kinds of injuries. The level of a substance in the blood of an infected person is directly related to the immune status. When used, the risk of anemia decreases, since cobalamin is involved in the formation of red blood cells. Sources at 12:

group of dairy products;
eggs;
fish;
beef and pork meat;
kidneys and liver.

All of the above substances, as well as selenium, vitamins C, D, E can be found combined in many preparations. The most popular vitamins for HIV-infected people, names: Coplivit, Vitrum, Supradin, Alphabet, Duovit.

Vitamin A supplementation and disease progression in HIV-infected adults

Biological, behavioral and contextual rationales

Reginald A. Annan
University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
April 2011

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and an essential nutrient that exists in several forms, both animal (retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid) and plant-based (carotenoids). Good sources of vitamin A are meat, fish, game, and dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Carotenoids are also present in dark green and yellow/orange fruits and vegetables.

Micronutrients in general, including vitamin A, play an important role in immune system function 1, 2, 3 . Vitamin A is essential for good vision(especially for dark adaptation and night vision), immunity, growth and development, and red blood cell production 4, 5, 6 . It plays a major role in the development and differentiation of white blood cells such as lymphocytes, which provide an immune response 7 . The body's first line of defense against infection is the skin and mucous membranes, which are protected by vitamin A.

HIV-infected adults are characterized by low levels of micronutrients, especially in developing countries where the principles of healthy eating are often not respected. As you know, HIV affects the intake, absorption, metabolism and accumulation of nutrients. Micronutrient deficiencies and HIV affect the functioning of the immune system. Low blood levels of vitamin A are associated with rapid progression of HIV disease and death 8–10 . For this reason, there is growing interest in micronutrient supplementation and its possible role in improving immune system function, preventing HIV transmission (especially to children), and slowing the progression of HIV disease.

Vitamin A supplementation has been found to reverse vitamin A deficiency in malnourished HIV-infected patients, but it remains unclear how much this contributes to the restoration of immune system function. A meta-analysis of the effect of including vitamin A or various micronutrients in the diet of HIV-infected adults and children found no irrefutable evidence that vitamin A supplementation improved CD4 counts or could slow the progression of HIV disease. Although vitamin A supplementation in HIV-infected pregnant women has been associated with a reduction in anemia 11 , vitamin A supplementation has not been found to reduce morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected adults. However, there is strong evidence that intermittent or daily administration of vitamin A to HIV-infected children reduces diarrhea, cough, pneumonia, and all-cause mortality 12 .

Malnutrition, infection and immune status are interdependent aspects. Infectious diseases affect nutritional status, and almost any more or less severe nutritional deficiency, in turn, can reduce the body's resistance to infections 13-16 . Therefore, good nutrition is an important factor in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, especially among the poor. Many regions with high HIV prevalence also typically experience inadequate access to health care and antiretroviral therapy (ART) services, as well as a high likelihood of poor diet and a significant prevalence of malnutrition and poverty. In these situations, interventions to improve nutritional status can complement antiretroviral therapy, and WHO is currently developing dietary and care guidelines for HIV-infected adults and adolescents.

Bibliography

1 Beisel WR. Single nutrients and immunity. 1982, 35(Suppl. 2):417–68.

2 Dreizen S. Nutrition and the immune response – a review. International Journal of Vitamin Nutrition Research, 1979, 49(2):220–8.

3 Kupka R et al. Selenium status is associated with accelerated HIV disease progression among HIV-1-infected pregnant women in Tanzania. Journal of nutrition, 2004, 134(10):2556–60.

4 Solomons NW. Vitamin A and carotenoids. In: Bowman BA, Russell RM, eds. Present knowledge in nutrition, 8th ed. Washington D.C., ILSI Press, 2001:127–45.

5 Ross AC. Vitamins and retinols. In: Shils M, ed. Nutrition in health and disease. 9th ed. Baltimore, Williams and Wilkins, 1999:305–27.

6 Lynch SR. Interaction of iron with other nutrients. Nutrition Reviews, 1997, 55(4)102–10.

7 Semba RD. The role of vitamin A and related retinoids in immune function. Nutrition Reviews, 1998, 56:S38–48.

8 Baum MK et al. Micronutrients and HIV-1 disease progression. AIDS, 1995, 9(9):1051–6.

9 Semba R.D. et al. Vitamin A deficiency and wasting as predictors of mortality in human immunodeficiency virus-infected injection drug users. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 1995, 171:1196–202.

10 Semba R.D. et al. Increased mortality associated with vitamin A deficiency during human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection. Archives of Internal Medicine, 1993, 153(18):2149–54.

11 Irlam JH et al. Micronutrient supplementation in children and adults with HIV infection. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010(12):CD003650.

12 Fawzi WW et al. Multivitamin supplementation improves hematologic status in HIV-infected women and their children in Tanzania. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007, 85(5):1335–43

13 Scrimshaw NS, Taylor CE, Gordon AJE. Interactions of nutrition and infection. WHO monograph series no.57. Geneva, World Health Organization, 1968.

14 Scrimshaw NS, Taylor CE, Gordon JE. Interactions of nutrition and infection. American Journal of Medical Science, 1959, 237:367–403.

15 Scrimshaw NS, SanGiovanni JP. Synergism of nutrition, infection, and immunity: an overview. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1997, 66(2):464S-477S.

16 Chandra RK. Nutrition as a critical determinant in susceptibility to infection. World Review of Nutrition and Diet, 1976, 25:166–88.

Denial of responsibility

The opinions expressed in this document are the sole responsibility of the above authors.

Conflict of Interest Statements

Statements of potential conflicts of interest have been received from all of the above authors and no conflicts of interest have been identified.

Vitamins and HIV

The best option is to take a daily multivitamin with minerals that contains one or two daily doses of substances recommended for the general population. The therapist or infectious disease specialist will be able to recommend you such a drug from those that are now commercially available.

Many people with HIV decide to take a variety of "vitamin supplements" to keep their immune system working. Evidence for whether high-dose vitamins are beneficial for HIV infection is debatable.

However, everyone needs vitamins, and people with HIV are more likely to be deficient in substances such as A, E, B6, B12 and zinc. At the same time, when taking vitamins, it is important to remember the possible side effects and contraindications.

You can’t think that taking extra vitamins and minerals will automatically be good for the body. Surplus similar substances, at best useless, at worst can lead to side effects. But if your vitamin and mineral levels are low, nutritional supplements can support your body to better cope with HIV.

On the other hand, if the substance is lacking because it is “used” by the virus (for example, this applies to zinc), an increase in the level of the substance in the blood will encourage HIV to multiply and worsen the disease. (Therefore, zinc-based supplements may lead to faster development of HIV infection, although they improve the well-being of people in the AIDS stage.)

If the substance is deficient due to digestive changes associated with HIV, then increasing their intake may not have any effect.

Most best option– Take a daily multivitamin with minerals that contains one or two daily doses of substances recommended for the general population. The therapist or infectious disease specialist will be able to recommend you such a drug from those that are now commercially available. In the poorest areas, where most people with HIV are not even diagnosed, this approach may not be effective enough.

The alternative is improved nutrition, including those rich in vitamins and minerals. In many of the poorest countries, such nutrition has become the most important drug available for the treatment of HIV infection.

Are vitamins good for HIV?

There is no single answer to this question yet. A large study in South Africa showed that daily intake of B vitamins and multivitamins contributed to the slower development of AIDS and reduced mortality. However, it is not known whether vitamins have the same effect on people with better access to nutritious food.

Another study in Thailand, where a preparation of various vitamins and minerals was undergoing clinical trials, showed that taking a pill reduced the risk of death in the AIDS stage by 67%. Among people with an immune status below 100 cells, mortality decreased by 75%. However, this effect did not apply to people with immune status above 200 cells/ml, and the drug did not affect immune status and viral load.

Most recently, a special nutrient formula was tested by a California doctor. It turned out that it contributed to a 25% increase in immune status in people taking highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This special formula consisted of 15 minerals, 15 vitamins and various antioxidants such as acetyl L-carnitine. The formula has been specially developed for clinical trials without various fillers and preservatives common in commercial dietary supplements, which could affect the absorption of substances.

Overdose of vitamins and minerals

Sometimes it is said that higher doses vitamins and minerals can improve the activity of the immune system. Studies have not yet led to a definite conclusion, but it must be remembered that if you take too high doses of such substances, this can lead to serious side effects. Namely:

Vitamin A. In large quantities, it can cause damage to the liver and bones, vomiting and headache. Doses above 9,000 mg (for men) or 7,500 mg (for women) may be harmful. Pregnant women should not take vitamin A supplements without consulting their doctor, as high doses of vitamin A may harm the fetus.

Vitamin C. Doses above 1,000 mg per day can lead to urolithiasis, also additional reception vitamin C is contraindicated in people taking indinavir.

Vitamin E. Doses above 800 mg per day may result in side effects. You need to be especially careful when taking anticoagulants and hemophilia.

Zinc. Doses above 75 mg are associated with copper deficiency, neutropenia and anemia, and doses above 15 mg per day may cause progression of HIV infection.
Selenium. Doses above 750 mg per day are associated with suppression of the immune system.
Vitamin B6. More than 2 g per day may cause damage nerve fibers, but even 50 mg per day can sometimes lead to peripheral neuropathy.

Some vitamins

Vitamin A is a micronutrient found in some foods that is essential for normal functioning. human body. It is present in large quantities in almost all European diets and can be stored in the liver. For these reasons, vitamin A deficiency is rare. Vitamin A plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system. Animal studies have shown that vitamin A deficiency leads to immune problems, and in countries such as India, vitamin A deficiency is associated with childhood deaths from infectious diseases.

Studies show that some people with HIV are also deficient in vitamin A, and this deficiency is associated with immune status and risk of mortality. Vitamin A deficiency can be a consequence of both HIV infection itself and problems with nutrient absorption. At the same time in laboratory research vitamin A promoted the reproduction of HIV in some cells and suppressed its reproduction in others.

The role of vitamin A during pregnancy is controversial. One study found that women with vitamin A deficiency were more likely to pass the virus to their baby. Nonetheless, low level vitamin A does not predict the risk of HIV transmission, especially in industrialized countries. What's more, too much vitamin A during pregnancy can lead to birth defects in the baby. A more recent study found that taking supplemental vitamin A increased the risk of passing HIV to the baby. At the same time, the multivitamin supplement reduced this risk and improved children's health.

The vitamin in the form of beta-carotene may reduce symptoms and improve immune status. Although further studies have not confirmed this. In HIV-negative people, beta-carotene reduces the risk of developing hairy leukoplakia, which may also have great importance for people with HIV.

The most common side effect of beta-carotene is the orange color of the skin that occurs when it is in excess. Vitamin A is found in large quantities in meat and liver, tomatoes, apricots, broccoli, spinach, peppers, carrots and lettuce. The abuse of food supplements containing vitamin A can lead to poisoning, which is expressed in headaches, nausea, visual disturbances, in rare severe cases in internal bleeding and bone damage.

The safest way to replenish your body with vitamin A is beta-carotene. This substance is converted into vitamin A as needed, which prevents overdose. Beta-carotene is best absorbed with fatty foods. In people with impaired liver function or diabetes, beta-carotene is not converted to vitamin A.

Beta-carotene is taken no longer than 20 days to avoid an immunomodulatory effect. High doses of vitamin E can interfere with the absorption of beta-carotene. Alcohol and other drugs interfere with the absorption of vitamin A. Moreover, taking vitamin A with alcohol or smoking increases the chance of liver damage, or liver cancer.

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine. Alcohol interferes with the absorption and storage of this vitamin, which is essential for muscle function and optimal utilization of carbohydrate energy. The need for this vitamin increases during infections that cause fever, when the need for carbohydrates increases. The best sources of B1 are whole grains, bread, brown rice, and fish.

Many people with HIV decide to take a variety of "vitamin supplements" to keep their immune system working. Evidence for whether high-dose vitamins are beneficial for HIV infection is debatable. However, everyone needs vitamins, and people with HIV are more likely to be deficient in substances such as A, E, B6, B12 and zinc. At the same time, when taking vitamins, it is important to remember about possible side effects and contraindications.

You can’t think that taking extra vitamins and minerals will automatically be good for the body. Excesses of such substances are at best useless, at worst they can lead to side effects. But if your vitamin and mineral levels are low, nutritional supplements can support your body to better cope with HIV.

On the other hand, if the substance is in short supply because it is "used" by the virus (for example, this applies to zinc), an increase in the level of the substance in the blood will encourage HIV to multiply and worsen the disease. (Therefore, zinc-based supplements may lead to faster development of HIV infection, although they improve the well-being of people in the AIDS stage.)

If the substance is deficient due to digestive changes associated with HIV, then increasing their intake may not have any effect.

The best option is to take a daily multivitamin with minerals that contains one or two daily doses of substances recommended for the general population. The therapist or infectious disease specialist will be able to recommend you such a drug from those that are now commercially available. In the poorest areas, where most people with HIV are not even diagnosed, this approach may not be effective enough. The alternative is improved nutrition, including those rich in vitamins and minerals. In many of the poorest countries, such nutrition has become the most important drug available for the treatment of HIV infection.

Are vitamins good for HIV?

Most recently, a special nutrient formula was tested by a California doctor. It turned out that it contributed to a 25% increase in immune status in people taking highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This special formula consisted of 15 minerals, 15 vitamins and various antioxidants such as acetyl L-carnitine. The formula was specifically formulated for clinical trials without the various excipients and preservatives common in commercial dietary supplements that could interfere with absorption.

Overdose of vitamins and minerals

It is sometimes said that higher doses of vitamins and minerals can improve the functioning of the immune system. Studies have not yet led to a definite conclusion, but it must be remembered that if you take too high doses of such substances, this can lead to serious side effects. Namely:

Vitamin C. Doses above 1,000 mg per day can lead to urolithiasis, and vitamin C supplementation is contraindicated in people taking indinavir.

Vitamin E. Doses above 800 mg per day may result in side effects. You need to be especially careful when taking anticoagulants and hemophilia.

Zinc. Doses above 75 mg are associated with copper deficiency, neutropenia and anemia, and doses above 15 mg per day may cause progression of HIV infection.

Selenium. Doses above 750 mg per day are associated with suppression of the immune system.

Vitamin B6. More than 2 g per day can lead to nerve fiber damage, but even 50 mg per day can sometimes lead to peripheral neuropathy.

Some vitamins

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a trace element that is present in some foods and is necessary for the normal functioning of the human body. It is present in large quantities in almost all European diets and can be stored in the liver. For these reasons, vitamin A deficiency is rare. Vitamin A plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system. Animal studies have shown that vitamin A deficiency leads to immune problems, and in countries such as India, vitamin A deficiency is associated with childhood deaths from infectious diseases.

Studies show that some people with HIV are also deficient in vitamin A, and this deficiency is associated with immune status and risk of mortality. Vitamin A deficiency can be a consequence of both HIV infection itself and problems with nutrient absorption. At the same time, in laboratory studies, vitamin A promoted the reproduction of HIV in some cells and suppressed its reproduction in others.