HIV Infection and Nutrition Status: The Importance of Food in Disease Management

Date
2008-11
Language
American English
Embargo Lift Date
Department
Committee Members
Degree
Degree Year
Department
Grantor
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Found At
Global Livestock CRSP, UC Davis
Abstract

Preliminary evidence suggests that improved nutrition early in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may delay progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and delay the initiation or improve the effectiveness of antiretroviral drug therapy (ART). The scientific community has evolved in its appreciation of the value of food as an integral component of comprehensive care for individuals with HIV infection and AIDS. It is now well recognized that those who are food insecure and malnourished are more likely to fail drug treatment regimens. Body mass index (BMI) < 18 at the initiation of ART is strongly predictive of death. In addition, weight loss during the first four weeks of ART is also associated with death. A higher BMI is protective and is associated with better responses with ART. Patient response to nutrition intervention, however, may be confounded by the stage of HIV progression and other infections. That is, those who are in the earlier stages of the disease may respond better to aggressive nutrition intervention. The HIV Nutrition Project (HNP), "Increasing Animal Source Foods in Diets of HIV-infected Kenyan Women and Their Children," will evaluate the effect of protein quality and micronutrients found in meat on the health and nutritional well-being of women living with HIV in rural Kenya and the health and development of their children. By means of a randomized nutrition feeding intervention, researchers will study if the inclusion of meat added as an ingredient to a biscuit, when compared to soy or wheat, will best protect the immune system and prevent severe infection, prevent the loss of body mass and enhance the quality of life. These women are not yet receiving antiretroviral drugs and therefore not yet experiencing metabolic inefficiencies associated with AIDS.

Description
item.page.description.tableofcontents
item.page.relation.haspart
Cite As
Ernst, J., Ettyang, G., Nuemann, C., Nyandiko, W., Siika, A., Yiannoustsos, C. (2008). HIV Infection and Nutrition Status: The Importance of Food in Disease Management. Research Brief 08-02-HNP. Global Livestock CRSP, UC Davis.
ISSN
Publisher
Series/Report
08-02-HNP
Sponsorship
This publication was made possible through support provided by the Office of Agriculture, Bureau of Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade, under Grant No. PCE-G-00-98-00036-00 to University of California, Davis. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID.
Major
Extent
Identifier
Relation
Journal
Rights
Source
Alternative Title
Research Brief 08-02-HNP
Type
Report
Number
Volume
Conference Dates
Conference Host
Conference Location
Conference Name
Conference Panel
Conference Secretariat Location
Version
Full Text Available at
This item is under embargo {{howLong}}