Vitamin D and HIV

Studies have shown that patients diagnosed with HIV can present with a vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. Vitamin D is critical to our bodies for a number of reasons, primarily bone health. Without proper levels of vitamin D, bones can soften and lead to rickets or osteoporosis. It’s important to recognize that vitamin D treatments may be a necessary part of treating your HIV condition, so it’s important to get tested.

Screening for a vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency

First, know what symptoms are indicative of a vitamin D deficiency. Muscle twitching, aches, weaknesses, and light-headedness are three signs of a deficiency. An HIV specialist in NYC will be able to diagnose a deficiency through a blood test. Between 30 and 60 nanograms of vitamin D per milliliter of blood is indicative of a sufficient level. Between 20 and 30 is indicative of a vitamin D insufficiency and below 20 is a clear vitamin D deficiency. An HIV specialist in NYC will be able to make a diagnosis and provide you with your treatment options.

Raising vitamin D levels

An HIV specialist in NYC will give you guidelines on how to treat a lack of vitamin D. Treatments essentially revolve around getting more of the vitamin in your system. You can get vitamin D through exposure to sunlight or through diet and supplements. Raising vitamin D levels is not something that can be accomplished overnight, but work closely with a n HIV specialist in NYC. The doctor will monitor your progress and make sure that your levels are remaining steady.

Seeing an HIV specialist in NYC

Vitamin D and HIV are often studied in relation to each other. An HIV specialist in NYC will be able give you a definitive diagnosis and figure out the best method of treatment. It’s important to look at a vitamin D deficiency through the lens of an HIV positive patient. That’s a major reason why a specialist will be a better choice than other medical practitioners. You will be able to get your care from one doctor who gets to know you, your lifestyle, and your condition, then use that in tandem with medical expertise to create a treatment plan that is right for you. Raising vitamin D levels and keeping them steady will help optimize bone health, helping you to feel as good as you possibly can.

An HIV specialist in NYC will help you work through a positive diagnosis and all that comes with it, including a vitamin D insufficiency. A specialist will help you manage these symptoms and complications carefully to help you live a life that is full and happy with your friends and loved ones.

• What is HIV?Read More
• Finding an HIV specialistRead More
• Treatment and prevention of HIVRead More