Vitamins for HIV are prescribed at any stage of immunodeficiency and in the presence of concomitant pathologies. They do not destroy the virus and do not reduce the viral load, but they help solve another equally important task of treatment - the restoration and maintenance of immunity. A properly selected vitamin complex helps the patient to improve well-being, mood, appetite and increase resistance to infections.
Despite the achievements of pharmacology and the creation of a new generation of antiviral drugs, proper nutrition with the consumption of the right amount of vitamins and microelements remains an integral part. Although these substances are required for the body in a very small amount, vitamins perform an important function. They cannot be replaced or cancelled. Thanks to the right ratio of essential elements, all body systems function properly, which is essential for HIV.
Functions that perform vitamins in immunodeficiency:
- slowing the progression of HIV;
- increasing resistance to infectious diseases;
- improving well-being;
- reducing the incidence of complications in HIV treatment;
- restoration of metabolism.
Vitamins are part of enzymes and hormones, indirectly responsible for the proper functioning of the digestive, excretory, endocrine and reproductive systems. Sufficient consumption helps patients with viral immunodeficiency cope with the problem of loss of appetite, and without proper nutrition, it is impossible to restore the immune system.
It is important to remember: you cannot take vitamins with HIV on your own and uncontrollably.
Hypervitaminosis is no less harmful to health than the lack of any elements. At the same time, some substances are contraindicated in HIV. For example, zinc, which promotes the reproduction of a retrovirus, so supplements with it are not prescribed for immunodeficiency. All recommendations for and additional intake of supplements will be obtained from your doctor after a blood test. Specifically for each patient, the doctor decides to prescribe certain substances or a complex preparation containing a daily dose of all the necessary vitamins, trace elements and minerals.
Vitamins for HIV are not always prescribed in the form of medications. The source of useful elements is food, therefore it is possible to adjust all dosages with the help of a diet. In severe immunodeficiency, and especially if present, it is impossible to compensate for the deficiency of nutrients with food intake. The patient is recommended supplements and vitamin complexes:
- Complivit is a multivitamin preparation consisting of 19 substances necessary to maintain immunity.
- Alphabet - a complex of vitamins and minerals, distributed in tablets of 3 types in order to better assimilate.
- Vitrum is an antioxidant complex that includes 15 substances that enhance the production of antibodies, energy metabolism, and promote the removal of free radicals.
- Centrum - a vitamin complex of 24 substances, has antioxidant properties, improves body tone, adds strength and energy.
- Immunal is a modern drug based on an ancient method of maintaining immunity. The composition includes an extract from echinacea, so the drug is recommended specifically for patients with diseases of the immune system.
- Multi-tabs Immuno Plus - a rich composition ensures not only the maintenance of immunity, but also the strengthening of blood vessels, the heart, and the nervous system. Additionally, the composition includes lactobacilli, which provide local intestinal immunity.
- Supradin - a multivitamin that helps to cope with fatigue and fatigue, is indicated for physical exertion and infectious diseases.
- Gerimaks Energy - 17 elements and ginseng extract, helping to strengthen the body's defenses, normalize sleep, and recover from infections.
The main vitamins necessary for immunodeficiency must be included in the composition of the drug: A, group B, C and E. With a favorable course of the disease and the patient's well-being, it is possible to get by with one or two elements. For example, the drug Aevit, containing vitamins A and E, which are needed more than others for immunity.
Usually, for patients with severe diseases, including those with viral immunodeficiency, a slightly higher dosage of vitamins is needed than for healthy people. They take supplements in courses, then take a short break and resume taking them. If an allergic reaction occurs, you should contact your doctor to replace the drug. Individual intolerance to a particular component of the vitamin complex is possible. The doctor selects an additive without an intolerable component or, instead of a complex medicine, prescribes to drink the necessary vitamins separately.
