Abstract
Infection caused by HIV and malnutrition
have a complex interaction and often coexist geographically.
Malnutrition has synergistic
immune effects and HIV affects nutritional status.
HIV care and treatment programs are compelled to confront this dual
burden
to optimize HIV outcomes. In this article, we
review the published literature concerning intervention studies in
adults and
children and the effect of food prices on HIV
treatment programs. While the evidence base is relatively incomplete for
specific
macronutrient interventions in the context of HIV
treatment, it is clear that a new standard of care is needed, guided by
experience, rationale, and existing data, in which
malnourished patients may easily access nutritional therapies within HIV
treatment. From this clinical foundation, we may
both treat patients and evaluate novel therapies. Some HIV care and
treatment
programs provide food-based supplements; however,
rising food costs and economic instability may jeopardize the success of
these programs. HIV treatment programs may struggle
to meet the needs of patients with potential increased rates of
malnutrition
and food insecurity in the setting of high food
prices.
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