However, when it comes to people with HIV, there is evidence that our vitamin and mineral needs are higher than those of other people.
Some vitamins also help the body tolerate the more toxic effects of anti-HIV drugs.
Ever since vitamin A was discovered in 1913, it was realised that there is a whole group of substances that are needed to keep bodily processes going. Collectively they form the 'micronutrients'. This is to distinguish them from the 'macronutrients' - the fats, carbohydrates and proteins that make up the bulk of our diet.