TABLE 7.

Nutrient-specific recommendations for adolescents

Nutrient	Conclusion	Comment
Energy	For asymptomatic adolescents, target energy intake of 110% of that recommended for healthy adolescents	No empirical evidence that energy requirements are greater in HIV-infected adolescents compared with non-HIV-infected adolescents. However, the application of the current WHO recommendation provides continuity in bridging the recommendations for HIV-infected children and adults and a margin of safety in estimating energy requirements.
		Caution is needed to avoid the potential for overweight and obesity and consequent complications.
Macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein, fat)	When increasing calories per current WHO recommendations, ensure relative percentages of macronutrients	Although some studies in adults have suggested that protein requirements may be higher with HIV infection, as yet there is no consistent evidence that increasing protein intake above required amounts for uninfected populations is beneficial.
Micronutrients (vitamins, minerals)	Maintain current WHO recommendations (ie, ensure one Recommended Dietary Allowance for all essential nutrients, preferably through a well-balanced diet)	Overall, in the absence of specific evidence of differing requirements consequent to HIV infection, there is not sufficient evidence to support a general policy encouraging the use of daily oral nutrient supplements. Vigilance will be needed to ensure dietary adequacy of micronutrients, particularly in areas of high food insecurity or poor dietary diversity.
		Additional attention may be warranted for specific nutrients (eg, vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, iron) either in terms of dietary intake and poor exposure or in the context of potential treatment interactions.