Interactions between nutrition and infection with human immunodeficiency virus.

Nutritional status is severely compromised in persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). One or a combination of several disease-related factors can contribute to substantial weight loss and malnutrition, accelerating the downhill course of the disease. Efforts to prevent weight loss should include early intervention aimed at appetite stimulation, nutritional supplementation with high-calorie, high-protein oral supplements, and diagnosis and treatment of underlying infections and malabsorption. Although enteral or parenteral feedings may be warranted, these forms of nutritional support pose special problems in HIV-infected persons, and the ultimate benefits of these measures are not yet clear. The recent use of pharmacologic agents to stimulate appetite or improve body composition shows promise, but more research is needed before these drugs can be widely recommended as adjuncts to therapy. In general, unproven remedies should be avoided, as their risks may well outweigh their benefits.