NUTRITIONAL CORRELATES OF HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS INFECTION

This review is a presentation of extant knowledge about the impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related disease on the processes of nutrition. There has been an inadequate amount of research to ascertain the exact nature of this relationship beyond the documentation of physiological phenomena having a nutritional component. Evidence is presented of nutritional problems that have been documented during all stages of the progression of HIV infection and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The possible causes of these changes are examined and include changes in intake, metabolism, and potential iatrogenic factors such as drug-nutrient interactions, Particular attention is paid to factors that have confounded our ability to effectively interpret studies done to date. A conceptual model of the relationship between nutrition and HIV is offered along with suggestions for future investigations. A brief discussion is also included on the potential impact of suboptimal nutrition on the progression of HIV disease.