Assessment of actual nutrition and body composition in patients with HIV infection

The objective. To study actual nutrition and body composition of HIV-infected patients for detailed elaboration of changes in their nutritional status. Patients and methods. The study included 45 patients with HIV infection (29 men and 16 women). The mean age was 28.6 years. In the group of study, patients at stages 3 and 4A prevailed (67%). The control group comprised 19 practically healthy individuals aged 21 to 44 years, 11 men and 8 women. During a patient's visit his or her actual nutrition in home settings was investigated by the method of frequency analysis using the questionnaire design according to the computer programme «Analysis of the state of human nutrition» (version 1.2 GU Nutrition Institute RAMS, 2003-2005) and body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis according to standard methods using a human body composition analyzer (InBody 720, Korea). Results. As has been found, 43 individuals (96%) had normal body weight (BMI from 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2), one patient (2%) was overweight (BMI from 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2), one patient (2%) was underweight (BMI under 18.5 kg/m2) with signs of lipodystrophy. Analysis of actual nutrition of HIV-infected individuals has shown that patients do not receive carbohydrates in recommended amounts: mean value is 207 g/day for men and 160 g/day for women (while 260-500 and 225-400 g/day, respectively, are recommended), which might lead to enhanced metabolism and worsened assimilation of such macronutrients as fats and proteins and have a negative effect on energy metabolism and synthesis of the components of the immune system. A daily intake contained a higher proportion of saturated fats (11% of caloric content) and insufficient amounts of products with monounsaturated fats (4.7% of caloric content), which enhances a risk for dyslipidemia and cardiovascular complications. Assessment of body composition parameters in patients with HIV infection has shown a significant decrease of fat mass, normal values of skeletal muscle mass, normal values of total water and mineral substances. Conclusion. The above disorders necessitate modification of actual nutrition of patients with HIV infection and development of specialised diets for this cohort of patients.