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.