Being Alive Newsletter, Being Alive/Los Angeles - July 1993
Jennifer Jensen, RD

The RDAs were last revised in 1989 by a committee of 19 members who met 13 times. They investigated each vitamin and mineral, and then issued the current RDAs. The conclusion of the committee was that routine supplementation is unnecessary. But when asked, over 70% of the committee members reported, off the record, that they take daily supplements.

It has long been known, through food consumption surveys, that the American public is routinely deficient in vitamin E at a level of 73-75%. Also, the small 60 mg RDA for vitamin C isn't met daily by 38-41% of us when 6 oz. of orange juice more than meets the RDA. Vitamin A turns up deficient in 51% of us, where half a carrot more than suffices, and vitamins B1, B2, and B3 run at deficiency rates ranging from 35-48%.

So even when enjoying good health, an "RDA-level" supplement appears harmless, only slightly costly, and good insurance that the "normal, healthy American" will obtain nutrient sufficiency. And, apparently a choice made by a majority of nutrition professionals, as demonstrated earlier, regardless of what they recommend for the public.

Now, add in the extra needs of a person infected with HIV. The ADA agrees that supplementation is advisable here, but has issued no specific guidelines. For many years I have recommended supplements as a part of a wholistic nutritional approach to HIV disease. I have studied the medical literature on nutrients' effects on immune health and requirements during abnormally demanding circumstances. Nutrient metabolism (i.e., the process of using the nutrient) is often vastly altered in HIV/AIDS. This difference affects some nutrients more than others.

Incorrect supplementation can do more harm than good. It's therefore wise, easy, and affordable to acquire professional, expert guidance. This member of your healthcare team should be a nutritionist who is thoroughly familiar with HIV medical science (common HIV-specific symptoms, OIs, medications, treatments) and also one who has a complete understanding of therapeutic uses for individual (supplemental) nutrients.
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