ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the role of iron in the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), with an emphasis on evidence from randomized clinical trials and prospective cohort studies. It also examines the efficacy and safety of iron supplementation on health outcomes among HIV-infected individuals, including HIV disease progression, mortality, and hematological status, and adverse maternal and child health outcomes. The chapter reviews the directionality of association between HIV and iron. It explores the association between HIV and hematologic outcomes, such as iron status and anemia. The chapter reviews the association between anemia and poor iron status and HIV- related outcomes. It discusses research gaps and the implications of findings for clinical care and public health practice, with an emphasis on resource-limited settings. Iron is required for pathogen growth and is a key micronutrient in the context of immune function, with bidirectional associations between iron status and infection.
