Comparing the Impact of Nutritional Supplementation Versus Standard Care on Immune Recovery in HIV-Positive Adults Initiating ART

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a major public health challenge, with immune recovery following antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation being influenced by various factors, including nutritional status. Malnutrition, common among HIV-positive individuals, can impair immune function, delay ART response, and increase susceptibility to opportunistic infections. While standard care for individuals initiating ART includes clinical monitoring and general dietary guidance, it often fails to address specific nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional supplementation, encompassing macronutrient and micronutrient support, has been proposed as an adjunct to ART to enhance immune recovery. This review critically compared the impact of nutritional supplementation versus standard care on immune reconstitution in HIV-positive adults initiating ART. By synthesizing evidence from clinical trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses, this narrative review evaluated the mechanisms through which nutrition influences immune function and explored the efficacy of supplementation in improving CD4+ T-cell recovery and reducing inflammation. Findings suggested that targeted nutritional interventions may accelerate immune recovery and improve overall health outcomes, though challenges such as supplementation variability and implementation barriers persist. Future research should focus on optimizing supplementation regimens and integrating nutritional support into routine HIV care to enhance treatment success, particularly in resource-limited settings. Keywords: HIV, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), Nutritional Supplementation, Immune Recovery, Micronutrients and Macronutrients.