A Systematic Review of Nutritional Supplementation in HIV-Infected Children in Resource-Limited Settings.
BACKGROUND
In resource-limited settings, malnutrition is the major cause of death in young children, but the precise benefits of nutritional supplementation for HIV-infected children are not well understood.


METHODS
Two researchers reviewed studies conducted in low- or middle-income countries that involved macro- and micronutrient supplementation in HIV-infected individuals ≤18 years.


RESULTS
Fifteen studies focused on micronutrients, including vitamin A, zinc, multivitamins, and multiple-micronutrient supplementation. The 8 macronutrient studies focused on ready-to-use foods (4 studies), spirulina, whey protein, general food rations, and F75 and F100 starter formulas. Vitamin A was associated with improved mortality rates, ranging from 28% to 63%. Multiple-micronutrient supplementations were not associated with improvement of measured health outcomes. Ready-to-use foods were associated with improvement in certain anthropometrics.


CONCLUSION
Periodic vitamin A supplementation is associated with reduced mortality. Macronutrient supplementation is linked to improved anthropometrics. More research is needed to determine how nutritional supplementation benefits this particularly vulnerable population.
['McHenry|Megan S|MS|', 'Dixit|Avika|A|', 'Vreeman|Rachel C|RC|']
D000293:Adolescent D002648:Child D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena D002675:Child, Preschool D003906:Developing Countries D019587:Dietary Supplements D015658:HIV Infections D006801:Humans D007223:Infant D018977:Micronutrients D011203:Poverty
nutrition nutritional supplementation children AIDS HIV clinical outcomes