The interrelationship between nutrition and the immune system in HIV infection: a review

Abstract

Available scientific evidence has revealed that macronutrients and micronutrients are critical for fighting HIV-infection, because they are required by the immune system and major organs to attack infectious pathogens, HIV inclusive. It is believed that weight gain or maintenance might be achieved through good nutrition and has helped to reduce the consequences of wasting in people living with HIV/AIDS. Nutrition has helped to strengthen the immune system and reduce the severity and impact of opportunistic infections in people living with HIV/AIDS. It is known that an immune dysfunction as a result of HIV/AIDS leads to malnutrition and this in turn leads to further immune dysfunction. Various research studies have confirmed that nutrient deficiencies are associated with immune dysfunction and accelerated progression to AIDS. In this review, the interrelationship between nutrition and immune system in HIV infection is presented.