NUTRITION - A COFACTOR IN HIV DISEASE

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.