Food should provide all of these nutrients and is the foundation upon which nutritional recommendations for HIV are built. Nutritional needs vary from person to person. The following guidelines are general recommendations for getting started. If you are well and do not need to gain weight, add 200 calories for HIV infection, to the recommended daily allowance for your age, sex, and weight. If you are losing weight, you are not getting enough calories.
Protein provides building blocks for new cells, including muscle and immune cells.
If you are not getting enough calories, the protein you eat, and the protein in your body will be broken down for fuel. The vitamins A, D, E, and K are found in fats and oils contained in foods like liver, nuts, seeds, milk, butter and egg yolk. Fats provide concentrated calories in foods like ice cream, milkshakes, cheese, meats and peanut butter. A high fat intake is not a good idea because it can cause digestive problems, diarrhea, and malabsorption. Some fat in your diet is necessary, but try to aim for a moderate amount.