Despite the favorable effects of HAART on the nutritional status of HIV-infected persons, low phase angle remains an independent adverse prognostic marker of clinical progression and survival.

Triple antiretroviral treatment may protect HIV-infected patients against the development of malnutrition. Whole-body BIA data suggest an increase in appendicular body cell mass associated with improved antiretroviral treatment. However, the method is unreliable in detecting fat redistribution, and current prediction equations will need to be recalibrated for HIV-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral treatment.