Hi Nelson, I'm 53, HIV poz for over 15 yrs, doing well on meds--Viracept,Zerit, Epivir. I've had some lipodystrophy that made my legs skinnier, lost butt flesh, and added neck fat. I go regularly to the gym where I lift weights (moderate amounts) and do some warm up cardio. My body type tends to tall and thin, I'm 6'1", 168 lbs. I really would like to add some muscle, but my gym activities have not had that effect. I get better definition, and somewhat stronger, but no extra muscle bulk. My doctor suggested maybe I should take a protein supplement. Can you recommend one, or do you have an alternative suggestion? By the way, I also use androgel which has stopped the slide in my testosterone, and take lipitor to keep my cholesterol in line. Basically I'm doing well with all this, I just would like to gain some muscle.

Get any whey protein on sale if you can tolerate whey (I get explosive diarrhea). If you are intolerant to whey, you may want to try egg white powders (or egg beaters) with fruit and ice. It takes great. I buy frozen fruit and add it to the protein with rice milk in the blender. Also, eat more nuts, cheese, and lean meats.

Talk to your doctor about the problems that Zerit may cause when it comes to subcutaneous fat loss, neuropathy, fatty liver, lactic acidosis, and others. Many patients have switched to Viread or Ziagen. If Viracept is giving you a lot of diarrhea and you can not absorb your food, you may want to talk to your doctor about another protease (except Crixivan).

Since you are taking Lipitor, make sure you take 100 mg a day of Coenzyme Q-10 since it is well known that Lipitor reduces it and it may create muscle weakness problems. I would also add a comprehensive multivitamin like SuperNutrition Easy Swallow Multi Pak. You can visit hosutonbuyersclub.com for more info on those products.

Thanks and good luck

nelson