Effect of diet on lipid profile in HIV-infected patients

The implementation of highly active antiretroviral therapy has increased the life expectancy of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), thus reducing the number of deaths from acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Nowadays life expectancy of HIV(+) patients is comparable to those who are not infected. However, due to the use of antiretroviral therapy and the persistent immune activation and inflammation caused by HIV, other negative events may occur including dyslipidaemias, cardiovascular disorders, chronic kidney disease, early ageing, and neurocognitive impairment. It also increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and becomes a risk factor for cardiovascular disease: e.g. hypertension, brain stroke, and heart infarct. Comprehensive care of HIV patients with disturbed lipid profile includes lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes along with smoking cessation and has a beneficial effect on the lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglyceride levels). Therefore, it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, allows the patients to avoid additional pharmacotherapy, and can eliminate drug-drug interactions with antiretroviral drugs.

There are a lot of data showing that early dietary intervention and consistent diet control have a beneficial effect on lipid disorders in HIV-infected patients. Clinicians should be aware of it. In view of the benefits that can be gained by people living with HIV from dietary intervention, it is appropriate to include dieticians in a panel of specialists who take care of HIV(+) patients.