Nutrition assessment in HIV infection

Nutrition assessment is a vital component of the general care of HIV-infected adults. With access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), HIV infection may become a chronic, manageable disease. Nutritional and metabolic complications traditionally associated with HIV infection such as hypertriglyceridemia, low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and weight loss continue to occur. However, emerging abnormalities such as regional alterations in body shape (fat re-distribution syndrome or HIV-associated lipodystrophy), increasing body weight, high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, insulin resistance, and other metabolic derangements may also be present. In addition, as patients are living longer, they may be susceptible to other age-related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. In this article, we review strategies for nutrition assessment and management in HIV-infected adults. Attention is focused on specific symptoms such as weight loss and diarrhea and specific disorders such as lipodystrophy, micronutrient deficiencies, and dyslipidemia, which commonly affect HIV-infected individuals. Proper attention to nutritional status may help to reduce the burden of disease and promote an enhanced quality of life in HIV-infected individuals.