An important study was released in 2005 by the Harvard School of Public Health in the Journal of Nutrition. Researchers found that taking a multi-vitamin daily can slow the progression of HIV, so it should be used as a low cost treatment. Though it is always suggested by doctors that we get our vitamins through good nutrition, many people, especially those who are sick, do not always have the appetite to consume all of the foods needed on a daily basis. For this reason, a daily multi-vitamin is a good idea for those with HIV, and the vitamins mentioned below are important to check for when choosing a multi-vitamin.
Vitamin A – Vitamin A is an antioxidant the helps protect our bodies from damage. The Harvard School of Public Health states that vitamin A is especially important for infants and children, because it will help lower mortality rates in the young. It is also beneficial for adults with HIV in protecting the tissues in the body from damage from the disease. You can find vitamin A in green leafy vegetables, eggs, milk, and liver.
Vitamin B – Because of HIV damaging the immune system, vitamins B1, B2, B4, and B12 boost immunity. Supplemental B vitamins can be purchased as B complex vitamins, as well as in multi-vitamins. Foods rich in B vitamins are fish, chicken, nuts, and grains.
Vitamin C – Aside from being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C also lowers the occurrence of infections and helps in promoting healing. The greatest resources for vitamin C are bell peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and tomato paste, and of course, citrus fruits and juices.
Vitamin E – The same aforementioned study stated that the multi-vitamins taken by those with HIV, and especially pregnant women, should include vitamin E. Vitamin E protects the cells in the body which helps to ward off infections. It is also an antioxidant that will help boost immunity. Foods that are his in vitamin E are green leafy vegetables, oils made from vegetables, and nuts.
Tweet This Post