The relationships among nutritional status, infectious disease, and th
e immune system suggest that nutrition may be a cofactor in human immu
nodeficiency virus (HIV) progression. We examined nutrition as a cofac
tor in HIV disease by reviewing the current literature on the interact
ions of nutrition, infectious disease processes, and immune system dys
function. Studies demonstrate that poor nutritional status and infecti
on affect the immune system and interact with each other. This relatio
nship leads to the development of opportunistic infections and maligna
ncies, which may result in a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency sy
ndrome. Moreover, evidence from our review indicates that nutritional
status may play a role in HIV disease progression. We recommend that c
linical trials be conducted to evaluate general malnutrition and the e
fficacy of supplementation with specific nutrients at various stages o
f HIV disease.