e-Library of Evidence for Nutrition Actions (eLENA)


An online library of evidence-informed guidelines for nutrition interventions and single point of reference for the latest nutrition guidelines, recommendations and related information.

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Nutrition counselling for adolescents and adults with HIV/AIDS

Intervention | Last updated: 17 April 2023


Weight loss and undernutrition are common in people living with HIV/AIDS and are likely to accelerate disease progression, increase morbidity and reduce survival.

Nutritional counselling, care and support is important from the early stages of the infection to prevent the development of nutritional deficiencies. Nutrition counselling may improve health outcomes in adolescents and adults with HIV by reducing the incidence of HIV-associated complications and delaying the progression of HIV infection, thereby improving quality of life and ultimately reducing disease-related mortality.

Adequate nutrition, which is best achieved through consumption of a balanced healthy diet, is vital for health and survival for all individuals regardless of HIV status.

WHO Recommendations


Further research is needed before specific recommendations can be made.

Cost-effectiveness Learn More Alternate Text


Relevant cost-effectiveness analyses have not yet been identified.