HIV/AIDS

H/A: MNT (2009)

• Assessment
  What is the evidence regarding medical nutrition therapy for people with HIV infection?

  • Conclusion

    Seven studies were evaluated regarding medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and/or nutrition counseling in people with HIV infection. One study, completed prior to highly active antiretroviral therapy, stressed that early intervention may prevent progressive weight loss. Four studies regarding MNT reported improved outcomes related to energy intake and/or symptoms (with or without oral nutritional supplementation) and cardiovascular risk indices, especially with increased frequency of visits. Two studies regarding nutritional counseling (non-MNT) also reported improved outcomes related to weight gain, CD4 count and quality of life

  • Grade: I
    • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
    • Grade II is Fair;
    • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
    • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
    • Grade V is Not Assignable.
    • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
    • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
    • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
    • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
    • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
  • Evidence Summary: Medical Nutrition Therapy for people with HIV infection
    • Detail
    • Quality Rating Summary
      For a summary of the Quality Rating results, click here.
    • Worksheets
      • Chlebowski RT, Grosvenor M, Lillington L, Sayre J, Beall G. Dietary intake and counseling, weight maintenance, and the course of HIV infection. J Am Diet Assoc 1995; 95(4): 428-435. 
      • Fitch KV, Anderson EJ, Hubbard JL, Carpenter SJ, Waddell WR, Caliendo AM, Grinspoon SK. Effects of a lifestyle modification program in HIV-infected individuals with the metabolic syndrome. AIDS. 2006; 20: 1843-1850.
      • Kaiser JD, Donegan E. Complementary therapies in HIV disease. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 1996; 2(4): 42-46.
      • Rabeneck L, Palmer A, Knowles JB, Seidehamel RJ, Harris CL, Merkel KL, Risser JMH, Akrabawi SS. A randomized controlled trial evaluating nutrition counseling with or without oral supplementation in malnourished HIV-infected patients. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998; 98: 434-438.
      • Schwenk A, Steuck H, Kremer G. Oral supplements as adjunctive treatment to nutritional counseling in malnourished HIV-infected patients: randomized controlled trial. Clinical Nutrition. 1999; 18(6): 371-374.
      • Tabi M, Vogel RL. Nutritional counselling: An intervention for HIV-positive patients. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2006; 54(6): 676-682.
      • Topping CM, Humm DC, Fischer RB, Brayer KM. A community-based, interagency approach by dietitians to provide meals, medical nutrition therapy, and education to clients with HIV/AIDS. J Am Diet Assoc. 1995; 95: 683-686.
  • Search Plan and Results: MNT in HIV/AIDS 2007