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[V143]Vitamins And Minerals For Skin

by Jason Hachkowski, Jas

Vitamins and minerals are present in the foods we eat, and in even greater quantities in whole foods which are not as processed as pre-packaged, and canned foods. The more natural the food source, the greater the levels of vitamins and minerals, or micronutrients. Micronutrients are important to our bodies as they are required only in small amounts, hence the name micronutrients.

Every function of our body requires micronutrients. This requirement is on a cellular level, with different cells requiring different types. Micronutrients help the body to regulate metabolism, release energy from foods, carry oxygen to cells (iron), help develop strong bones and teeth, improve immune system functioning, and to act as antioxidants. The human body requires micronutrients for nearly all of its essential functions, so how do you know if you are receiving enough of them?

There is no single plant or animal which contains all of the vitamins and minerals the body requires. This is why for decades the medical community has been preaching the benefits of a well balanced diet. Individuals who rely on a single food source are actually damaging their metabolic balance. It is therefore even more important for those with HIV/AIDS to ensure that they eat a balanced, healthy diet.

HIV positive people may not be able to keep their micronutrient needs in check without the addition of supplements. Larger amounts of vitamins and minerals may be required to stay healthy because the immune system is working harder to fight off the HIV virus and other opportunistic infections. HIV medicine, stress, malnutrition, and digestive problems can all affect micronutrient needs. Even if you are eating very well, experts tend to agree that with HIV/AIDS, it will be hard to get all of the vitamins and minerals you will need. Supplementing your diet with vitamins and minerals can be a very helpful strategy in HIV management, but you should always discuss with your health care practitioner before starting any supplements.

Not all vitamins and minerals are beneficial for people living with HIV/AIDS. Before starting any supplements, consult with your physician. The below listing is a overview of some vitamins and minerals which may be of use to you in your treatment regimen.

Multivitamins with minerals: One a day multivitamins generally help prevent or correct vitamin deficiencies. People with hepatitis may need to take a multivitamin which does not contain any iron.

Antioxidants: Antioxidants are very popular these days, and are being recommended for whatever ails you. Do not believe all that they are being touted as a cure for. Antioxidants protect the cells, including immune system cells from damage. Smokers and people with HIV/AIDS generally should need more antioxidants. The most common ones are vitamins C and E.

B Complex: Vitamin B is present in multivitamins. For the general population, the amount of vitamin B found in multivitamins is probably enough for most people. However, people with AIDS who are on antiretroviral therapy, who have been sick, who use drugs/alcohol, or who are malnourished should take B complex.

Calcium: Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth. Some of the side effects of antiretrovirals (ARV) are similar to that of old age.

Vitamin D: This micronutrient is necessary to absorb and use calcium properly.

Vitamin B12: This vitamin is taken as a shot, or as a nasal spray. Vitamin B12 may help people with HIV/AIDS with neuropathy, decreased mental functioning, diarrhea, and malabsorption. Please speak with your doctor if you feel that you could benefit from vitamin B12.

Selenium: Another powerful antioxidant for the immune system which is typically taken in 100-200 mcg doses. However, do not over-use the selenium! It is toxic at doses approach 700 mcg.

Zinc: Zinc is an important micronutrient for immune system functions. Zinc supplements should not be greater than 50 mg per day in total, as too much will actually weaken your immune system.

Glutamine: This is not a vitamin, but rather an amino acid which can help heal the intestines and decrease diarrhea.

It is very important to note that the information contained here is not a self-treatment guide! This is knowledge which can help to empower you to make informed health care decisions with your doctor. The fact is that taking vitamins can also harm you. Too much vitamins can lead to problems like diarrhea, kidney stones, vomiting, liver toxicity, and much more. Always discuss with your doctor to find the right mix for your health care needs.

Nutrition can affect fertility and fetal development as well. Striving each day to consume the standard recommended daily intake levels of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that the body needs is an important part of the good health and proper functioning of the reproductive system. The nutrients that a child consumes while growing up can greatly affect the developing reproductive system. Zinc for example is essential to the development of the reproductive organs themselves. A deficiency in zinc can result in significantly delayed sexual maturity. Zinc also serves in the regulation of male hormones and has a role in prostate functions and sperm production. Iodine helps to regulate thyroid function which in turn helps to regulate growth and body weight. Body weight has to do with the onset of puberty which will not begin until the appropriate threshold of body weight and fat has been crossed. The endocrine glands secrete hormones and hormones are essential to the ptoper functioning of the reproductive system. Thus the wellness of the endocrine gland is a precursor to mature reproductive functioning and health. While several nutrients are directly associated with the production of hormones like manganese which serves to maintain the production of sex hormones many other vitamins and nutrients act as cofactors to a variety of complicated chemical reactions that carry out the tasks for the benefit of the reproductive system. Proper nutrition is essential in fetal development as well. Folic acid for example can serve as a way to prevent serious birth defects by reducing the incidence of neural tube defects such as the type that causes spinal bifida. However, this defect occurs so early in fetal development that at the point at which it occurs when the woman has yet to find out that she is actually pregnant. Therefore it is best for any woman of childbearing age to be especially careful to get enough folic acid each day.

The vitamins that make up the Vitamin B complex have a primary role in red blood cell production. The developing fetus gets all nourishment and oxygen via the mother’s blood stream. Therefore, making sure to keep red blood cell production up to par is important to the reproductive system, particularly during pregnancy. The nutrients received by the developing fetus will affect every aspect of his or her being. Proper nutrition is essential to each part and every stage of the reproductive system from development to maturation to the creation and nurturing of new life. It can be difficult particularly at the rapid pace of life today to get the full amount of each and every vitamin, mineral and other nutrient that serves to support the reproductive system. However, nutritional supplements can offer a safe and reliable way to achieve your dietary needs for you to be able to meet your dietary goals, when used with care and attention to standard dosage amounts. It is important to take note that moderation is key to everything.

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Both Jason Hachkowski & Charlene J. Nuble are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Jason Hachkowski has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Vitamin Guide and Fitness. This article has been prepared by the staff at AIDS-Drugs-Online.com. HIV/AIDS treatments are as individual as the person who is taking them. Please always consult your doctor for all health treatment plans. To save more money on your HIV/AIDS treatments,. Jason Hachkowski's top article generates over 590 views. to your Favourites.

Charlene J. Nuble has sinced written about articles on various topics from Disease & illness, Asthma and Yeast Infection. Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about Vitamins, please go to: or for updated links and informati. Charlene J. Nuble's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.