Nutrition interventions to address nutritional problems in HIV-positive patients: translating knowledge into practice

Abstract

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and malnutrition negatively reinforce each other. Malnutrition leads to further immune deficiency and accelerates disease progression. The present overview aimed to investigate the current knowledge from review articles on the role of nutrition interventions as well as food and nutrition policies on HIV-related outcomes in adults to present future strategies for strengthening food and nutrition response to HIV. Methods: We searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest, and Ovid databases using the relevant keywords. The search was limited to studies published in English until April 2022. All types of reviews studies (systematic review, narrative review, and other types of review studies) which evaluated the impact of nutritional program/interventions on HIV progression were included. Results: Although nutrition programs in HIV care have resulted in improvements in nutritional symptoms and increase the quality life of HIV patients, these programs should evaluate the nutritional health of HIV-infected patients in a way that can be sustainable in the long term. In additions, demographic, clinical, and nutritional, social characteristics influence nutritional outcomes, which provide potential opportunities for future research. Conclusion: Nutrition assessment, education and counseling, and food supplements where necessary should be an integral part of HIV treatment programs.