I feel very lucky to have stumbled on this website. You are all great! My meds are viracept, zerit and videx. I feel fine. My viral load is less than 50 and cd's around 700. I think I am doing great because I don't let HIV consume my whole life, but recently all these supplements intrigue me. I have a nutritionist. I take Ultimate Mens' Complete 3 times per day, CoQ10 300 mls per day, fish oil 3 grams per day, lipoic acid 600 and thinking about taking NAC regularly. Should I take NAC on an empty stomach or with food? I have seen different recommendations. What about L-carnitine? How important is it? What else is high on the list at this time for max benefits? I also have a protein shake for breakfast. Thanks, Joe

NAC is generally recommended to be taken with food.

L-carnitine has had mixed results in its oral form. It may be important to reduce the effects of long-term chronic disease and treatments such as altered lipid levels. Research into the effect of L-carnitine on peripheral neuropathy has suggested very little effect for the oral form.

3 grams of fish oil a day should not present significant side effects that are concerns (such as prolonged bleeding time), but you should have it noted in your chart so that with any future injury or surgery, your medical team can take it into account.

Prior to adding a protein shake to your regimen, it is usually a good idea to know how much protein you are taking in and if you have any current or past conditions that warrant high protein or even shying away from high protein. A dietitian can perform that check for you.

Any form of supplementation should be considered along the lines of medications. Often, supplements are concentrated forms of what you would get in a balanced diet, and as such may "unbalance" your intake. What is "hot" and what is right for you may be entirely different things.

If you are interested in personalized supplementation, make sure that your nutritionist is tied in with the health care team to prevent any known adverse interactions or medication interactions. In supplement form, these additions to your regimen should be treated with the same care as your medications.