WHY ARE VITAMINS AND MINERALS IMPORTANT?
Vitamins and minerals are also called micronutrients. The body uses them in small amounts to facilitate chemical reactions that cells need to live. Different nutrients affect digestion, nervous system, thought and other body functions.
Micronutrients are found in many foods. Healthy people can get enough vitamins and minerals from food. People with HIV or other diseases need more micronutrients to repair and heal cells. In addition, many medications can cause a deficiency of different nutrients.
Some molecules in the body are in a state known as rust, also are called free radicals. React easily with other molecules and can damage cells. High levels of radicals seem to cause much of the damage associated with aging.
Free radicals are products of normal body chemistry. Antioxidants are molecules that stop the free radical reaction with other molecules and thus limit the damage they cause. Several nutrients are antioxidants.
Antioxidants are important for people with HIV since HIV infection increases the levels of free radicals. In addition, free radicals can increase the activity of HIV. High levels of antioxidants can slow the virus and help repair the damage it causes.
