diet Flashcards
What is the importance of vitamins for HIV patients?
- support immune system
- keeps lining of lungs and gut intact
= more difficult for germs to enter the body and cause infection
What are some good sources of vitamins?
- fresh fruit and vegetables
- fruit juices
- conservative methods of cooking to retain nutrients
What are the most important vitamins for fighting HIV?
- vitamin A
- vitamin C
- vitamin B6
- vitamin E
- Selenium
What are the benefits of vitamin A?
- helps maintain healthy lining of skin, lungs and gut
- antioxidant
What are some sources of vitamin A?
- tomatoes
- spinach
- red pepper
What happens to vitamin A during infection?
- vitamin A is lost through diarrhoea
What are the benefits of vitamin C?
- helps in recovery from infections
- wound healing
- increase resistance to infection
- healthy cell structures
- aids in iron absorption
- antioxidant
What are some sources of vitamin C?
- citrus
- guavas
- berries
- broccoli
- kiwi
- tomatoes
What are the benefits of vitamin B6?
- necessary to maintain a healthy immune and nervous system
What are some sources of vitamin B6?
- white beans
- potatoes
- fish
- meat
- chicken
- nuts
What is the importance of vitamin E?
- antioxidant
- protects cell membranes from damage
What are some sources of vitamin E?
- plant oils
- margarine
- nuts
What is the importance of selenium?
- antioxidant
- helps to activate the available T-cells
What are some sources of selenium?
- whole-grain products
- milk
- samp
- mielies
- meat
- fish
What are the important minerals associated with fighting HIV?
- zinc
- iron
- potassium
- flavonoids
- phytosterols
What is the importance of zinc?
- strengthens the immune system and skin
What are some sources of zinc?
- meat
- fish
- poultry
What is the importance of iron?
- plays a role in maintaining a healthy immune system