Smart Living: Poor Nutrition Boosts OI Risks

HIVers with poor nutrition are at an increased risk of opportunistic infections, researchers have reported in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Their study found that the chances of having an active opportunistic infection were 4.57 times higher in HIVers who were determined to be underweight and 9.87 times higher for those who could be classified as seriously underweight. Low body fat levels determined by skin-fold measurements as well as low body mass index also were linked with increased risk for opportunistic infections.