Twenty-four studies were evaluated regarding energy intake in people with HIV infection. Eight out of nine studies report increased resting energy expenditure (as much as 5% to 17%) in people with HIV infection, compared to healthy controls. However, total energy expenditure may be similar to that of control subjects. Energy balance deficits result in growth failure in children with HIV infection. Factors related to energy needs in people with HIV infection include stage of disease, opportunistic infections and comorbidities, inflammation and effects of medications. Further research is needed regarding energy requirements in people with HIV infection.
