Background:  HIV has a long asymptomatic phase, which can be prolonged by correct nutrition and dietary supplements. Research has shown that persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) who do not get adequate nutritional support and lose more of their body weight die earlier than those who lose less. Our aim was to assess the baseline nutritional status of HIV⁺ individuals in South India and study the effect of a high calorie, high protein food supplement over a period of 12 months.

Methods:  We enrolled 556 asymptomatic HIV⁺ individuals attending Tuberculosis Research Centre clinics in Chennai and Madurai until July 2005. A detailed assessment of calories and proteins consumed was done by 24-hour dietary recall and analyzed by “Digest Software.” Anthropometric assessment, biochemical investigations, and bioelectric impedance analysis were done at baseline. Patients were randomized to receive a nutritional supplement, “Indiamix” as a 3.0-kg pack, every month to be consumed as 100 g/days or standard care. Patients were treated for opportunistic infections as needed. Assessments were repeated at 6 months.

Results:  Of the 566 HIV⁺ patients enrolled, 201 patients have completed 6 months of follow-up.

Conclusions:  Nutritional supplementation resulted in significant increases in body weight, body mass index, mid-arm circumference, and serum cholesterol in asymptomatic HIV⁺ persons, compared with controls who received standard care. Early nutritional counseling and support as an integral part of National Programmes will be a useful strategy to improve the health and delay the progression of the disease in these individuals.