Nutrition and Patients With Hiv/Aids

Abstract

Immune status of an individual depends on the organism's nutritional status as well as on the choice of nutrients that enter the body. Malnutrition and HIV progression are closely linked and require an active cooperation between infectious disease physicians and nutritionist. It has been noticed that patients with HIV that receive antiretroviral therapy have a significantly greater loss of body weight, and therefore need an adequate diet modification. Oxidative stress represents an important etiological factor in diseases of immune deficiency, so that antioxidant agents (Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin B12 and certain minerals, such as zinc and selenium) are crucial factors in HIV dietotherapy. Polyphenols from cocoa beans as well as from green and black tea (catechins and teaflavins) have an important role in disease progress modification as well as disease transmission prevention. The patients also need their probiotic intestinal flora to be encouraged to grow properly in order to prevent opportunistic infections. All of these nutrition elements are already in use in prevention, therapy and alleviation of HIV symptoms, and further science development will make a personal diet modification for each patient possible.

Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Before and After Surgical Oncological Treatment: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

“…Based on biomarkers, we can recognize malnutrition and its prevalence. The prevalence of malnutrition was 25% before and 45% after treatment in our study, similar to in other studies [ 4 ]. In patients with OSCC, malnutrition commonly occurs, due to the tumor site that causes dysphagia, psychological stress, and metabolic changes due to tumor presence and post-treatment complications, as shown in other studies [ 5 , 15 ].…”

“…Usually, patients with OSCC have difficulties chewing and swallowing at the first clinical examination due to tumor localization. Operative trauma leads to an additional reduced intake of nutrients, primarily proteins [ 4 ]. Consequently, ALB values are reduced, as confirmed by other studies, whose results are in accordance with our findings [ 21 , 22 ].…”

“…In most cases, patients with OSCC already on their first clinical presentation experience a degree of nutritional status disturbances and weight loss [ 4 ]. These are determined by the anatomical location and extent of the tumor process, with impaired functions of swallowing and chewing.…”

Perceived Stress Levels Among HIV/AIDS-Infected Mothers: The Role of Over-the-Counter Products

“…Nutritional supplements vitamin A, vitamin B 12 , vitamin E, which is an antioxidant, and minerals help to improve the body's immune functioning (Bilbis et al, 2010;Tang & Smit, 1998). In that HIV and opportunistic infections can generate high levels of free radicals and oxidative stress, a deficiency in vitamin A, vitamin B 12 , vitamin E, and certain minerals can exacerbate immune dysfunctions that are caused by HIV Infection (Stojanovic et al, 2011;Tang & Smit, 1998). These findings highlight the importance of vitamin and mineral supplements to the healthy functioning of the body's immune system.…”

“…Malnutrition is a major complication of HIV infection, which may result in poor nutrition because of an insufficient dietary intake, malabsorption, and altered metabolism (Baum et al, 1995;Bilbis, Idown, Saidu, Lawai, & Nioku, 2010;Stojanovic, Markovic, & Kocic, 2011). Doctors routinely write over-thecounter prescriptions for Ensure (and other nutritional drinks), vitamins, and minerals to help their HIV/AIDS clients better cope with the serious problem of wasting due to improper eating habits.…”