Nutrition
Children living with HIV have higher nutritional needs than children living without HIV. Infection with HIV and opportunistic infections can cause nutritional deficits early in life, including stunting and malnutrition. Additionally, the effects of malnutrition are more severe in children with HIV. Opportunistic infections such as thrush and diarrhea make it difficult for children to eat, and to absorb nutrients from food. Undernutrition can further impair children’s immune system, and leave them more vulnerable to other complications.
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