Case Study #1C – HIV-related Vitamin Deficiencies
By Craig Arnoff, VitaminTesting.com Publisher – June 12, 2007
This is a continuation of Case Study #1B in which “Al” (all names changed to protect privacy) learned from his physician that the dietician at the hospital is probably more knowledgable about dietary supplements than the physician is. The physician suggested contacting the dietician and that’s what Al does in the letter below:
=============== LETTER FROM AL TO THE DIETICIAN ===============
Hi Sally: My primary physician Dr. C referred you to me yesterday via email. I was interested in getting my vitamin/mineral levels tested. But Dr. C does not recommend it and says it wouldn’t be covered by insurance. He says that the standard American diet is usually sufficient, and any deficiencies could be rectified with a good multi-vitamin. Still I’m wondering, if vitamin levels are rarely checked among HIV patients in the USA, how do we know that specific deficiencies are uncommon, especially among patients like myself who have digestive problems and mal-absorption?This is of concern to me, because I know that good heart health and overall organ health are dependent on adequate levels of vitamins, minerals and anit-oxidants. Are there any clinical research results obtained in the USA regarding vitamin/mineral levels in HIV patients that you could refer me to for clarification?
Dr. C says the most likely deficiencies in HIV patients are zinc, selenium, B12 and iron. Is there a brand of multiple vitamin that you would recommend that could offset such potential deficiencies? Finally, if I do start taking a vitamin/mineral supplement, how will I know if it is effective and being properly absorbed if there are no before and after tests of my vitamin/mineral levels?
I appreciate your help with these issues.
“Al”