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Nutrition Research Articles Issues 1-13 |
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By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| Part Two of this article provides information on: micronutrient
deficiencies found in HIV disease; detriments to nutritional status; body
composition changes; micronutrient research; and HIV-savvy clinician micronutrient
recommendations for HIV-positive women.
A reproducible handout for women is in this issue as well. |
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This issue is free in PDF Women And HIV: Part One By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| This two part research article reviews the various concerns affecting
women living with HIV. It reviews the literature on HIV and women and concentrates
on identifying their nutritional needs. Part One outlines the HIV epidemic
among women. Major points of discussion are: issues affecting people living
with HIV (PLWHIV); some concerns among HIV-positive women; various barriers
to care; and the progression of HIV to AIDS.
Find information on where to obtain resources for more data on women living with HIV or AIDS in the Resources Section. |
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This issue is free in PDF Protein Needs And HIV By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| Adequate protein stores are vital for immune function and good health,
especially for individuals who are challenged by the human immuno- deficiency
virus (HIV). Recently the focus has been on maintaining adequate lean body
mass (LBM) and many people living with HIV infection (PLWHIV) have begun
exercise regimes. Some have initiated lifestyle changes that include a
change in dietary habits as well. Recommendations for PLWHIV to follow
high-calorie and high protein diets are common. Currently there are no
standard protein recommendations for HIV challenged individuals. Protein
guidelines vary considerably among nutrition professionals and others who
seek to improve the nutritional status of this population group.
This review serves to provide useful information on protein needs and recommendations for people living with HIV and AIDS. A focus on various issues to consider when recommending increased protein intakes are discussed as well. |
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Nutritional Assessment Of The Person Living With HIV By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| Nutritional care guidelines for people with the acquired immuno-
deficiency syndrome (AIDS) have been available since 1989. Throughout
the years we have learned of many issues to consider when counseling people
living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We know changes in
nutritional status occur even in the early stages of HIV. Nutritional
requirements are higher and infection often leads to weight loss and nutritional
deterioration. Chronic infections may make it nearly impossible to
maintain an adequate nutritional status just by increasing dietary intake.
Hypermetabolism and malnutrition are common with fifty to ninety percent
of the people living with HIV infection (PLWHIV) experiencing some form
of malnutrition. Results from one survey note many PLWHIV simultaneously
experience multiple symptoms affecting oral intake but still do not receive
nutrition counseling.
This comprehensive review lists factors that affect nutritional status and highlights information relevant to the nutritional assessment of the person living with HIV disease. |
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By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| The association between nutritional status, the immune system, and
HIV is strong. Nutritional status has a greater effect than T4-cell
counts on well-being, independence, physical performance, dementia, and
longevity. Some note nutritional therapy is as crucial as drug treatment.
We know good health and the ability to fight disease depends upon a hardy
immune system. The status of our immune system is dependant upon
our nutritional state. Consequently, malnourished individuals have
increased infection rates. Specific nutrients influence immune function
either directly through processes such as protein synthesis or indirectly
through their roles in enzyme systems. A compromised immune system results
in chronic illness and disease and increased mortality. In people who already
have a weakened immune system, additional insults due to poor nutritional
status can be highly detrimental.
This report on the nutritional management of people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reflects the views of HIV nutrition specialists, physicians working with HIV-positive individuals and the literature as of November 1997. |
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This issue is free in PDF Calories And Energy Needs By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| Research documenting the relationship between nutrition and the
immune system has increased steadily over the past several years. As a
result, many people living with HIV now recognize the importance of reaching
and maintaining optimal nutritional status. Most people know that they
need to consume an adequate amount of certain nutrients to support their
body processes. Yet, inadequate caloric intake is evident in a majority
of those living with HIV. Subsequent weight loss plays a role in
decreasing nutritional status and quality of life is adversely affected.
Kotler relates that decreased functional performance often accompanies
nutritional depletion. Poor nutritional status affects quality of life,
morbidity and mortality. HIV-positive individuals often experience a significant
loss of body cell mass. The depletion of lean body mass, reported even
in the early stages of HIV, detrimentally affects quality of life and is
often caused by poor oral intake. Progressive loss of fat and lean body
mass is evident in women as well as in men. HIV-challenged patients with
progressed disease have both inadequate energy and protein intake. Many
scientists report that substandard caloric intake is the most influential
factor of weight loss.
A research review of various factors affecting the energy needs of
people living with
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By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first observed
in children in 1982. Investigators now confirm that the human immuno-
deficiency virus (HIV) is an illness of young
children with 50% of AIDS cases being diagnosed
during the first year of life. AIDS is a leading cause of death among children
worldwide. It's the fifth leading cause of death in children between the
ages of one and four. Infants born to women who are HIV-positive are more
likely to be premature, of low birth weight, and malnourished in their
first few months of life.
In Lusaka, Zambia high rates of HIV infection are in children with tuberculosis, malnutrition, pneumonia, and diarrhea. Manifestations of HIV disease are varied. Clinical signs range from nonspecific infections to growth failure and malignancies. Researchers estimate 93% of the children living with HIV (CLWHIV) have developmental disabilities that result in some degree of physical and mental impairment. Cervi and colleagues note in AIDS the most common manifestations are oral candidiasis, severe pneumonia, neuromotor retardation, malnutrition, and chronic diarrhea. Surprisingly, Brazilian investigators report tuberculosis in children despite perinatal vaccination. French investigators find that marasmus, adenopathies and oral candidiasis indicates HIV infection in severely malnourished children who live in Burkina Faso. Regardless of location, CLWHIV suffer from a great number of manifestations that result in malnutrition. This article reviews the numerous
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By Dina Ranade, RD, LD, CNSD |
| Infection with HIV, which progresses to AIDS, is a growing and devastating
disease process in children. The World Health Organization estimates the
incidence of HIV infection in infants and children will reach ten million
by the year 2000. Significant differences exist between adults and children
living with HIV. The progression from an asymptomatic state to a
symptomatic one occurs more quickly in children. Opportunistic infections,
a risk for both adults and children, plagues children more frequently,
especially as recurrent bacterial infection, cytomegalovirus, and chronic
esophagitis. The nutritional implications of the disease are more severe
in children because suboptimal intake and altered nutrient requirements
contribute to delayed or halted growth and subsequently to increased morbidity
and mortality.
This two part article on Pediatric HIV infection reviews current nutritional care issues among children living with HIV and AIDS. Information on where to obtain resources for more data on pediatric HIV infection is included in the Resources Section. |
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By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| Some individuals who engage in physical exercise believe various
compounds and nutritional supplements are necessary for increased muscle
mass. HIV positive people who participate in physical exercise may consider
it safe to use anabolic steroids and supplements without the benefit of
a physician's supervision. Excessive consumption of protein products and
vitamin megadosing is often considered safe by people living with HIV (PLWHIV).
Few studies investigate the nutritional considerations one might wish to
ponder before establishing an exercise program. People who are HIV positive
can place themselves at increased nutritional risk if they do not develop
a plan to meet increased nutrient needs. A lack of HIV-related research
documenting the relationship between exercise and associated nutritional
factors make it difficult for the nutrition-savvy person to guard against
nutrient imbalances.
Part Two contains a review of exercise and nutritional
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By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| Part One reviews the various benefits and costs associated with
physical exercise. The benefits of exercise include: decreased anxiety;
improved appetite; enhanced feelings of well-being; increased strength
and endurance; increased lung capacity; improved bowel habits; decreased
fatigue; and increased lean body mass. Habitual strength-type training
can help the person with HIV to prevent and treat the deterioration of
muscle tissue. Potential detrimental effects can also result from physical
activity. Exercise- induced allergic reactions such as urticaria, and pyomyositis
are two concerns. Overexertion during exercise can cause detrimental muscle
breakdown.
There are numerous nutritional issues and concerns regarding the practice of physical exercise performed by HIV challenged people. This two-part article reviews literature related to exercise and includes an outline of various nutritional concerns that may play a role in exercise programs for people living with HIV infection (PLWHIV). The review includes comprehensive information from literature searches and conference proceedings. |
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By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| Research studies document the prevalence of vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
deficiency in patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Numerous studies note cobalamin deficiency even in the early stages of
HIV disease. A number of investigators associate decreased serum
vitamin B12 levels with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Furthermore,
cobalamin deficiency is suspected to be an important and treatable cause
of neurological dysfunction in HIV-positive people.
This article reviews the research concerning HIV- related
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This issue is free in PDF Micronutrient Recommendations By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| We know an adequate diet supplies all the required vitamins and
minerals to a healthy individual but what about people challenged by the
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)? Many researchers study the micronutrient
needs of HIV-challenged individuals. Numerous study results add to the
growing documentation, which notes even if people living with HIV infection
(PLWHIV) do happen to consume an adequate diet it doesn't necessarily mean
they are meeting their micronutrient requirements. Research studies reveal
single or multiple nutrient deficiencies can impair immunity, increase
mortality, and influence susceptibility to infections. Several studies
document one or more abnormally low concentrations of plasma micronutrients
are likely to be present in the majority of those living with HIV. Micronutrient
recommendations are commonplace, yet universal vitamin and mineral recommendations
are not established for this population group.
This is a review of micronutrient requirements, suggestions, and recommendations for the asymptomatic HIV-challenged individual. |
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By Sharon Ann Meyer, AS, AA, DTR |
| To date there are no standard vitamin mineral supplementation guidelines
in place to meet the needs of HIV seropositive (HIV+) individuals.
This article is a brief summary of research concerning
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The HIV ReSource Review (issues 1-30) and HIV
Nutrition Update (issues 30-54) are peer-reviewed publications designed
for nutrition professionals and others interested in nutrition and HIV/AIDS.
First published on July 1, 1996, the newsletters still provide important, time-saving, HIV-related nutrition information. Feature articles are the result of original research, scientific literature searches, and searches on the World Wide Web. Article information is supplemented by reviewing conference proceedings and expert recommendations. |
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| Sharon
Ann Meyer, AA, AS, DTR,
Web Site Affiliation(s)
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Updated 8/6/07 |
