Abstract:
Preliminary evidence suggests that improved nutrition early in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may
delay progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and delay the initiation or improve the effectiveness
of antiretroviral drug therapy (ART). The scientific community has evolved in its appreciation of the value of food as an
integral component of comprehensive care for individuals with HIV infection and AIDS. It is now well recognized that
those who are food insecure and malnourished are more likely to fail drug treatment regimens. Body mass index (BMI) <
18 at the initiation of ART is strongly predictive of death. In addition, weight loss during the first four weeks of ART is
also associated with death. A higher BMI is protective and is associated with better responses with ART. Patient response
to nutrition intervention, however, may be confounded by the stage of HIV progression and other infections. That is, those
who are in the earlier stages of the disease may respond better to aggressive nutrition intervention. The HIV Nutrition
Project (HNP), “Increasing Animal Source Foods in Diets of HIV-infected Kenyan Women and Their Children,” will
evaluate the effect of protein quality and micronutrients found in meat on the health and nutritional well-being of women
living with HIV in rural Kenya and the health and development of their children. By means of a randomized nutrition
feeding intervention, researchers will study if the inclusion of meat added as an ingredient to a biscuit, when compared to
soy or wheat, will best protect the immune system and prevent severe infection, prevent the loss of body mass and enhance
the quality of life. These women are not yet receiving antiretroviral drugs and therefore not yet experiencing metabolic
inefficiencies associated with AIDS.
