Patients living with HIV have quantitatively inadequate food consumption

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current study was to estimate energy expenditure and compare it with the usual food consumption of PLWH, and to determine whether duration of high-potency antiretroviral therapy (HAART) influenced nutritional intake and adequacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anthropometric measurements and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) provided data for estimating resting energy expenditure (REE) using Melchior's equations. Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) and 24-Hour Recall were used to verify if reported food intake aligned with energy, macro and micronutrient recommendations. RESULTS: Sixty one patients with a mean age of 52 ± 9.4 years and who had a high frequency of diabetes mellitus (24.5%), hypertension (54%), and dyslipidemia (90.1%) were evaluated. Estimated REE of female and male patients with less than 10 years of HAART was 1791 (1717.5; 1887.2) and 1941 (1808; 2335.6), and their estimated energy intake was 900.5 (847;1221.9) and 2095.4 (1297.5; 2496.4), respectively. The estimated REE for female and male patients with more than 10 years of HAART was 1796.20 (1598.9;1820.7) and 2105 (1913.4; 2308), and their estimated energy intake was 1566 (1353.1; 1764.3) and 1999.7 (1706.5; 2508.1), respectively. Being on HAART for more than 10 years was associated with increased energy intake (533 (95% CI 3; 1063) kcals), but not with meeting energy requirements. CONCLUSION: Patients had an atherogenic metabolic profile, inadequate dietary pattern, and a similar REE, regardless of HAART duration, contributing even more to the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.