Unfortunately, research has shown that nutritional problems are among the first negative effects of HIV infection. These problems—deficiencies in certain nutrients—often get worse over time and can contribute to immune dysfunction and disease progression in multiple ways.
There are several reasons why these deficiencies are common:
Nutrients burn faster: As discussed above, the immune system is continuously fighting HIV—even when anti-HIV drugs are being used—and repairing damage caused by the virus and other infections. This causes the body to burn nutrients faster, which can cause many nutrient levels to become low.
Nutrients aren't absorbed properly: Another cause of nutrient deficiencies is the poor absorption of nutrients that may occur as the result of intestinal infections (including HIV itself) or diarrhea. Some HIV-positive people have a difficult time absorbing fat, which can prevent the absorption of important vitamins like A, E, D and K.
Poor diets: Simply put, many HIV-positive people don't eat enough of the right kinds of foods. This may be due to fatigue, appetite loss, changes in the senses of smell or taste, nausea, vomiting, infections or other problems of the mouth or throat, or simply not knowing how to eat to best support health.
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