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The weight loss index, as well as the micro- and macronutrient deficit, are important survival predictors for patients infected with HIV. The infection itself has a negative influence upon nutritional states. For these reasons, nutritional therapy must be considered as a part of a complete treatment.
HIV-positive individuals must be considered to be at risk of having proteico-caloric malnutrition and caquexia. The increased requirements and diminished protein synthesis, combined with anorexia lead to a quick drop in body weight.
The HIV infection itself, when combined with anorexia, vomiting, etc, compromise the nutirtional state of AIDS patients as well as neuropeptide secretion which regulate apetite and diarrhea, which could be due to many factors.
Immunological changes due to malnutrition are similar to those in HIV infection. Abnormalities in lipid metabolism as well as micornutrient deficiencies alter the immune response.
