HIV and medical nutrition therapy

In those who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus, poor nutritional status can result from numerous causes, including anorexia, catabolism, chronic infection, fever, poor nutrient intake, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, malabsorption, metabolic disturbances, lack of access to food, depression, and side effects of drug, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments. A compromised immune system may not be reversed by any medical treatments at this time, but malnutrition may be prevented and reversed by using current therapies, including medical nutrition therapy that includes nutrition assessment, the development of an individualized nutrition therapy plan, and implementation of the therapy. There is substantial evidence that medical nutrition therapy saves lives, reduces morbidity, improves health outcomes, reduces costs, and shortens hospital stays.