Any program of dietary supplements should be based on a good diet, with adequate amounts of good proteins, good fats, and good carbohydrates.  However, deficiencies of some vitamins and minerals may occur early on in HIV infection.  This may happen even before T4 cells counts start to drop.  Many experts on HIV and nutrition suggest supplementing your diet with extra nutrients.  The recommended daily allowance (RDA) was developed for healthy people and is the minimum required to prevent a deficiency.  For a person with HIV to get sufficient levels of many of these nutrients, supplementation may be required.