Nutritional management in HIV/AIDS infection

Key Message "Nutritional support is one of the most immediate and critical needs of people living with HIV and AIDS, and nutritional management is integral to the care and management of the disease. " "The virus and its associated conditions and symptoms negatively influence nutritional status through decreased intake, increased requirements, and malabsorption, resulting in malnutrition. Adequate nutrient intakes are therefore essential. " Comprehensive nutritional assessments should be performed regularly to ensure optimal nutritional intervention. "Optimal nutrition could assist to maintain lean body mass, reduce the severity of HIV–associated symptoms, support antiretroviral therapy, and improve quality of life." ESPEN guidelines state energy requirements to be increased by 20–30% during the recovery phase after opportunistic infections. The guidelines recommend protein intake of 1.2 g/kg in stable phases of the disease and 1.5 g/kg/day during episodes of acute illness. "In general, there is conflicting evidence on the optimal protocols for nutrition support of these patients. Nutritional recommendations are guidelines only, and should always be viewed on a case–by–case basis alongside the individual patient's clinical presentation.