In people with HIV infection, protein needs are highly individualized. While diets that are higher in protein (at intake levels higher than the RDA) may result in increased body weight and body cell mass, protein requirements were not addressed in these studies. Further research regarding protein needs and implications in people with HIV infection is warranted.

• 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.

Studies report that people with HIV infection generally consume diets that are low in fiber and high in fat. Evidence supports a positive relationship between low-fiber, high-fat diets and fat deposition, insulin resistance and obesity. Further research regarding carbohydrate needs and implications in people with HIV infection is warranted.

• 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.

Studies report that people with HIV infection generally consume diets that are high in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. Evidence supports a relationship between diets that are high in saturated fat and hyperlipidemia, particularly hypertriglyceridemia. Studies indicate that diets low in saturated and total fat and including omega-3 fatty acids resulted in reduced triglyceride levels, increased HDL-cholesterol levels and a lower risk of lipohypertrophy. Further research regarding dosage and duration of specific fatty acid supplementation in people with HIV infection is warranted.

• 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.