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The duration of pneumonia and of diarrhea is reported to be longer in HIV-infected than in uninfected children. We assessed the effect of a multi-micronutrient supplement on the duration of hospitalization in HIV-infected children. In a double-blind, randomized trial, HIV-infected children (4-24 mo) who were hospitalized with diarrhea or pneumonia were enrolled (n = 118) and given a daily dose of a multi-micronutrient supplement (containing vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E, and folic acid, as well as copper, iron, and zinc at levels based on recommended daily allowances) or a placebo until discharge from the hospital. Children's weights and heights were measured after enrollment and micronutrient concentrations were measured before discharge. On recovery from diarrhea or pneumonia, the children were discharged and the duration of hospitalization was noted. Anthropometric indices and micronutrient concentrations did not differ between children who received supplements and those who received placebos. Overall, the duration of hospitalization was shorter (P< 0.05) among children who were receiving supplements (7.3 [+ or -] 3.9 d) (mean [+ or -] SD) than in children who were receiving placebos (9.0 [+ or -] 4.9); this was independent of admission diagnosis. In children admitted with diarrhea, the duration of hospitalization was 1.6 d (19%) shorter among children receiving supplements than in those receiving placebos, and hospitalization for pneumonia was 1.9 d (20%) shorter among children receiving supplements. Short-term multi-micronutrient supplementation significantly reduced the duration of pneumonia or diarrhea in HIV-infected children who were not yet receiving antiretroviral therapy and who remained alive during hospitalization. doi: 10.3945/jn.109.110312.

Abstract The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has resulted in marked improvements in HIV disease outcome with improved long-term survival. These changes in disease treatment have necessitated changes [...]

The Visiting Nurse Service (VNS) HIV/Home Delivered Meals program was initiated because of the importance of aggressive nutrition intervention at all stages of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquired immunodeficiency [...]

The epidemiology, intensity and progression of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) among acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients were examined. PEM is a condition characterized by somatic cell mass depletion out of proportion to body weight loss. Malnutrition results from food intake disorders, nutrient absorption anomalies and metabolic problems in AIDS patients. Nutritional supplementation can help some patients recover lost weight.

The nutritional status of 16 homeless individuals afflicted with HIV/AIDS at three non-profit community outreach program centers in New York City are examined. Results indicate that the mean calorie intake per day is 2040 calories which is 65% of the calculated need while the mean protein intake is 82 grams, 46% of the reference standard. These findings confirm the inadequacy of food resources at different program centers and the deficient nutritional intake of HIV/AIDS infected individuals.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have become important health concerns in the past decade. Infection with HIV lowers an individual's ability to fight off certain opportunistic [...]

Weight loss, malnutrition, and wasting have long been associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Not so long ago an estimated 80% of patients with HIV/AIDS [...]

Severe malnutrition is a major comorbidity of the clinical syndrome in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (1,2). The importance of this progressive condition [...]