ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews data from 13 randomized clinical trials involving micronutrient supplementation in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed and HIV-infected infants and children in papers from 25 publications. Micronutrient deficiencies are common in HIV-infected children and have been associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes. The chapter examines the evidence that links micronutrients and HIV in pediatric populations with an emphasis on randomized clinical trials. It examines the efficacy and safety of micronutrient supplementation on health outcomes in HIV-infected and HIV-exposed children, including HIV infection, disease progression, all-cause and acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related mortality, micronutrient status, growth, morbidity, and development. The chapter discusses research gaps, the role of micronutrient supplementation as an adjunct to essential antiretroviral therapy, and the implications of findings for clinical care and public health practice for HIV-infected and HIV-exposed, uninfected children with an emphasis on resource-limited settings.
