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Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Nutrition: A Narrative Review
P Yuvaraj Paul1, Nishma Singh1, Satya Lakshmi Komarraju2
1Department of Home Science, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Annals of African Medicine
|July 19, 2026
Summary
Proper nutrition is crucial for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Both undernutrition and obesity impact health outcomes and quality of life, necessitating tailored nutritional strategies for effective HIV management.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Nutrition significantly influences health outcomes for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), especially during antiretroviral therapy.
- A complex interplay exists between HIV infection and nutritional status, encompassing both undernutrition and overnutrition.
- Deviations from optimal nutrition negatively affect key health indicators like CD4 counts, BMI, and hemoglobin levels in PLHIV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the bidirectional relationship between HIV and nutritional status.
- To highlight the impact of undernutrition and overnutrition on PLHIV.
- To explore the role of nutrition in modulating quality of life (QoL) among PLHIV.
Main Methods:
- This study is a narrative review of existing literature.
- It synthesizes evidence on the effects of nutrition on HIV progression and outcomes.
- It examines socioeconomic and behavioral factors influencing nutritional status in PLHIV.
Main Results:
- Undernutrition is linked to increased mortality and opportunistic infections, particularly in resource-limited settings.
- Obesity is increasingly prevalent among PLHIV, especially males, increasing risks for comorbidities like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
- Socioeconomic factors, food insecurity, education, and behavior significantly shape dietary habits and nutritional outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Nutrition is a critical determinant of health and quality of life for PLHIV.
- Addressing both undernutrition and overnutrition is essential for comprehensive HIV care.
- A holistic, context-specific approach to nutrition is vital for optimizing long-term HIV management and patient well-being.
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