Nutritional Status of HIV Subjects Attending an ART Centre in Bangalore

Nutritional status is an important determinant of HIV outcomes. The study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status of 500 HIV infected adults attending an ART centre in Bangalore. The nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measurements (Height, Weight, Mid upper-arm circumference), dietary intake and biochemical parameters such as hemoglobin and CD4 count. BMI was calculated. Nutrient adequacy ratios were computed based on the data collected from 24hr dietary recall method. The results indicated that half of the sample had low CD4 cell count below 200 cells/cumm. The nutrient intake was < 60% of RDA in case of Energy, Protein, Riboflavin, Niacin, and Vitamin A. Nutrient adequacy pertaining to calcium and iron were 74.40% and 38.2% in males as against 66.30% and 32.20% in females respectively. Adequate dietary intake along with nutrient supplementation can play an important role in strengthening the immune system and delaying the progression of disease.

Keywords : Nutritional status, HIV/AIDS, dietary intake, Anthropometry