Nutrition Services
Proper nutrition is an essential part of maintaining health for individuals living with HIV. Early nutrition intervention can help preserve lean body mass, reduce the risk of infection, improve overall well-being, and support the effectiveness of medications and other therapies. Because malnutrition can significantly impact health outcomes for people living with HIV, LivWell prioritizes access to nutrition support and education.
LivWell’s nutrition programs are developed and overseen by an on-staff Registered Dietitian (RD). These programs provide individualized nutrition services based on current research and clinical recommendations while also supporting the broader patient population through group education and interventions.
Nutrition therapy aims to improve both quality of life and long-term health outcomes for individuals living with HIV. General goals for patients include:
- Achieving or maintaining a healthy body weight and lean body mass
- Maintaining healthy laboratory values and body chemistry
- Minimizing medication side effects
- Preventing food- and water-borne illness
- Encouraging regular physical activity
- Ensuring consistent access to nutritious foods
Ruth Bartolo
MS, RD, LD, CNSC
Registered Dietitian
Individualized Nutrition Services
A nutrition assessment is conducted by the Registered Dietitian annually, or more frequently when needed. Assessments may include a patient interview conducted either in person or by phone.
In accordance with recommendations from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, LivWell follows the Nutrition Care Process, which guides the development of each patient’s individualized nutrition plan.
Clinical providers refer patients to the Registered Dietitian as part of ongoing screening for individuals who may be at nutritional risk. The Registered Dietitian also reviews patient schedules for routine appointments to identify individuals who may benefit from additional nutrition support.
If a patient is identified as being at nutritional risk, appropriate nutrition interventions and follow-up plans are developed. Nutrition-related laboratory results are monitored to evaluate progress and support ongoing Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) when necessary
Group Nutrition Classes
Healthy eating involves not only choosing nutritious foods but also learning how to prepare them. LivWell offers group nutrition classes that combine culinary education with nutrition education. Classes may include topics such as healthy meal planning, grocery shopping and budgeting strategies, and food preparation techniques.
In addition to education, these classes provide opportunities for peer support, allowing patients to connect with others who share similar experiences. LivWell works to ensure educational materials are relevant and culturally appropriate for the populations served.
Access to Nutritious Foods
Access to healthy food is an essential component of successful nutrition care. LivWell’s nutrition programs aim to ensure patients have the resources needed to maintain a nutritious diet.
Patients requesting emergency food assistance may receive a consultation with the Registered Dietitian, which may occur by phone if necessary. These consultations help guide patients in making healthy food choices and reinforce individualized nutrition recommendations.
LivWell’s food pantry provides medically necessary food items that may be difficult for patients to afford, such as:
- Liquid nutritional supplements
- Specialty nutrition products
- Functional or therapeutic foods
Many of these items are shelf-stable and can be transported to outreach clinics, helping ensure patients throughout LivWell’s service area have access to appropriate nutritional support.