Tanu's Research Blog

Nutrition and HIV/AIDS

Nutrition plays a crucial role throughout the course of HIV disease. Once infected, malnutrition and HIV work in tandem, creating a classic 'vicious cycle' where each condition worsens the other. The effect of HIV on nutrition begins early in the course of the disease, even before an individual may be aware of the infection. HIV infection enhances the energy requirements due to an increase in resting energy expenditure. In addition, there is a reduction in dietary intake, nutrient malabsorption/loss and complex meatbolic alterations that culminate in the weight loss and wasting that is common in AIDS. On the other hand, pre-existing malnutrition exacerbates the effects of HIV because of immune system is already compromised. malnutrition also increases fatigue, decreases physical activity and the ability to carry out the activities of daily living, thus affecting the patient's quality of life. The various causes of malnutrition in persons with HIV infection are inadequate nutritional intake, poor nutrient absorption and poor nutrient utilization secondary to metabolic alterations.

One of the paper abstracts accepted at the XVII International AIDS Conference is focussing on the advantages of nutrition on improving the overall weight gain of children living with HIV. For further details please refer to the abstract.

Posted at 04:34PM Apr 20, 2008 by Tanushree Banerjee in Research  |  Comments[0]