| Dietary Supplements
GMHC'S Nutrition & Wellness Program
Vitamins and Minerals
Multivitamin with minerals: Taking this twice
a day is a good way to get your basic vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin B complex: Contains the B vitamins and
helps prevent deficiencies common in HIV.
Calcium: Helps prevent bone loss that is found
in men and women with HIV. Recommended dose: Women and Men Ages
19-50: 1,000mg 51+: 1,200 mg
Antioxidants
Vitamin C: Important for wound healing, resistance
to infections, bone fractures, and helps protect against the effects
of cigarette smoke. Our need for vitamin C increases during active
infections, such as the flu or a cold. Recommended dose:
1-3 grams (1,000-3,000mg a day), as tolerated; 3,000-6,000 mg a
day, as tolerated, during active infection.
Vitamin E: Helps to keep cells healthy. Look for
this supplement in the form of alpha tocopherol. Recommended
dose: 400-800 units a day.
Selenium: This has been found to be low in people
with AIDS. Selenium deficiency is associated with heart disease,
anemia, thrush, and CD4 counts dropping. Recommended dose:
200 mcg a day
Coenzyme Q10 (CQ10): May help maintain the strength
of your heart. It supplies energy to your cells and supports the
immune system. May help lower high lipid levels. Supplementation
is preferred. Recommended dose: 100-300 mg daily.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): A powerful antioxidant.
May help with peripheral neuropathy. It helps recycle vitamins E
and C and water and fat soluble vitamins throughout your body to
maximize their beneficial effects.
NAC: Maintains your body's level of glutathione
(one of your body's main antioxidants). Can be beneficial for liver
detoxification and to boost the immune system. Recommended dose:
2,000-4,000 daily.
Amino Acids
L-glutamine: Helps with your intestinal function,
digestion, and diarrhea; maintains lean body mass, enhances immune
function and may help liver detoxification. Recommended dose:
10-15 g a day.
L-carnitine: Helps transport fat into muscle cells
so that fat can be used to make energy. It is used for muscle activity
(prevents muscle fatigue), and helps stimulate energy. Can help
lower triglyceride (fat) levels, total cholesterol, and increase
HDL "good" cholesterol. Recommended dose: 2-3 g a day. "Carnitor"
form is covered by Medicaid.
Liquid/ Powdered
Nutrivir: Vanilla flavored powdered drink mix.
Contains 315 calories, 21 grams of protein, easily digested proteins,
unsaturated fat, NAC, L-carnitine, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Ensure/Boost: Are complete, balanced nutrition
drinks that can be used as snacks or with a meal. It provides 250
calories, 6 grams of fat, and 9 grams of protein per can. Also comes
in Ensure/Boost Plus for additional calories, fat, and protein to
maintain or gain weight.
Juven: An orange or grape flavored drink mix.
It contains HMB, which may help promote weight gain and enhance
immune function, and may also help lower cholesterol. Also contains
L-arginine and L-glutamine. A good immune system booster!
Other Supplements
Fish oil: Contains omega-3 fats found in abundance
in most oily/fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and
tuna. Also, found in plant sources, such as canola oil, wheat germ
oil, flaxseed and walnuts. Supplementing with fish oil may help
lower triglyceride levels, and is another option for those who do
not eat much fish. Omega 3 fatty acids can reduce your likelihood
of forming blood clots; therefore, you should avoid using if you
have low platelet counts. Recommended dose: 5-9 grams a
day.
Flax: Rich in protein and fat. Also contains
phytochemicals, small amounts of vitamins and minerals, and omega
3 and 6 fats. It is available in 2 forms: 1) seeds (which contain
fiber) and 2) oil. Seeds must be crushed before use, and oil can
be used in shakes, but should not be heated. It has been shown that
those who take flaxseed daily show significant reduction in total
cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Acidophilus: A beneficial intestinal bacteria
that grows naturally in your intestine and becomes low when you
take a lot of antibiotics. Supplementing with this may help with
digestion, improve intestinal function, help with diarrhea, gas/bloating,
and prevent yeast infections. This should be taken 3 hours before
or after antibiotics.
Herbs
Milk Thistle: Is rich in silymarin, a flavonoid
which has powerful antioxidant properties. It focuses its power
directly on the liver, protecting it against cell-damaging free
radicals. Recommended dose in pill form: 200-400 mg standardized
to 80% silymarin is thought to be safe and beneficial.
Fennel: Mainly used to help a distressed digestive
system (i.e., for intestinal gas). Also used for heartburn, and
to help lower blood pressure. A tea can be made and used as a mouthwash
or gargle for sore throats, gum disorders, and bad breath.
Sage: Used as a classic remedy for inflammation
of the mouth, throat, and tonsils, and for digestive problems. The
leaves of this herb can be used as a wash or rinse/gargle for mouth
ulcers.
Herbs to be Avoided
St. John's Wort: Should be avoided when taking
PI's and NNRTIs.
Echinacea: Not recommended for regular use for
people with HIV/AIDS. Only recommended before getting a cold or
the flu.
Garlic: Garlic supplements may counteract HIV
medications, although, eating fresh garlic in foods is highly recommended
to help with your heart and lipid levels.
Remember: Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, registered dietitian,
or health care professional before taking any prescription or over-the-couture
medicines or other herbal/health supplements.
And, take all herbal supplements 3 hours before or after taking
your medications.
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