Nutritional care of HIV-infected children

Weight loss and undernutrition are common in people living with HIV/AIDS and are likely to accelerate disease progression, increase morbidity and reduce survival. In children with HIV/AIDS, growth impairment often occurs before opportunistic infections or other symptoms are present.

Adequate nutrition, which is best achieved through consumption of a balanced healthy diet, is vital for health and survival for all individuals regardless of HIV status. Children deserve special attention because of nutritional requirements necessary for growth and development, and because of their dependency on adults for adequate care.

Nutritional assessment and support should be integrated into the routine care of HIV-infected children. Dietary interventions should consider issues of food security, food quantity and food quality, as well as absorption and digestion of nutrients.