Publications - Released in 2004
Interactions between antiretroviral therapy (ART) and food and nutrition can affect medication efficacy, nutritional status, and adherence to drug regimens. Drug-food interactions consist of the effects of food on medication efficacy, the effects of medication on nutrient utilization, the effects of medication side effects on food consumption, and unhealthy side effects caused by medication and certain foods. As ART interventions scale up in resource limited settings, addressing food and nutrition implications becomes a critical component of care and support programs and services.
This technical note summarizes the types of ARVs commonly used; offers a framework for understanding drug-food interactions; describes key issues and steps for managing ARV-food interactions; identifies areas where knowledge gaps exist; and lays out the specific food and nutrition implications of ARVs commonly used in resource limited settings. This information aims to support program design and service provision.