Iron will be discussed in detail in next month's article dealing with minerals. These include thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, folic acid, and B12. They are frequently lumped together because they work together in the body and are frequently found in the same foods. If you have a deficiency of one, you are likely to have problems with the others. Vitamin supplements commonly called B complex also give you the full range of these vitamins in a single unit.
Alcohol use can cause uniform B vitamin deficiency.
This review of the B vitamins takes into account only those that are significant for their role in HIV disease. They participate in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. They are important for the structure and function of the nervous system. Riboflavin, for example, is needed to convert B6 to its active form. Low folate levels can contribute to thiamin deficiency.