References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Good nutrition is an important part of staying well with HIV. Eating well supports your immune system, helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and can improve how you feel day to day. You don’t need a special diet — the same principles that work for the general population apply, with a few extra considerations.
Here’s a practical guide to eating well with HIV.
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The Basics of a Balanced Diet
- Fruit and vegetables — aim for at least 5 portions a day
- Starchy carbohydrates — wholegrain where possible (bread, rice, pasta, potatoes)
- Protein — lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, tofu
- Dairy or alternatives — milk, cheese, yoghurt (or calcium-fortified alternatives)
- Healthy fats — olive oil, nuts, avocado, oily fish
- Water — at least 6-8 glasses a day
HIV-Specific Considerations
| Consideration | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Weight management | Some ART causes weight gain — portion control and activity help |
| Cardiovascular risk | HIV + some drugs raise cholesterol — reduce saturated fat and salt |
| Bone health | Some ART affects bone density — calcium and vitamin D matter |
| Kidney health | Stay hydrated, moderate protein if kidney function is reduced |
| Drug-food interactions | Some drugs need food (Eviplera, Symtuza), others don’t |
Food and Medication Timing
- Eviplera, Symtuza, Juluca — must be taken with food
- Biktarvy, Dovato — can be taken with or without food
- Antacids, calcium, iron supplements — take 2 hours before or 6 hours after some ART
Check with your HIV team if you’re unsure about food-drug interactions.
Common Nutritional Challenges
Nausea from medication
Eat small, frequent meals rather than three large ones. Bland foods (toast, rice, bananas) often sit better. Ginger tea can help. Most medication nausea settles within a few weeks.
Diarrhoea
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid very spicy or greasy food. Foods like bananas, rice and boiled potatoes can help. Persistent diarrhoea should be reported to your HIV team.
Loss of appetite
Try smaller meals more often. Smoothies and soups can be easier to manage. If appetite loss persists, tell your clinic — it may relate to medication or mood.
Supplements
Most people on a balanced diet don’t need supplements. Exceptions include:
- Vitamin D — recommended for most people in the UK, especially during winter
- Folate — if planning pregnancy
- B12 — if deficient
Avoid St John’s Wort — it interferes with many HIV drugs. Always tell your HIV team about any supplements you take.
Read more: Weight management with HIV | Blood pressure and HIV | What is HIV?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special diet with HIV?
No. A standard balanced diet is all that’s needed. The same NHS Eatwell Guide principles apply. Focus on variety, whole foods and portion control.
Can food boost my immune system?
No single food or supplement will boost your immune system on its own. What helps is an overall balanced diet, staying on ART, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Should I avoid any foods?
Only if your CD4 count is very low (below 200) — in which case your clinic may advise extra care around raw or undercooked foods to reduce infection risk. For most people on effective treatment, no special restrictions apply.
Related reading
- Do You Have to Disclose Your HIV Status to an Employer?
- Disclosing Your HIV Status: Who, When and How
- Health Insurance for People with HIV in the UK
- HIV Criminalisation Laws Around the World
- HIV and Mental Health: Looking After Your Emotional Wellbeing
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
