Soy nutrition database launched

America's soybean growers are launching a new searchable database that will provide a way to evaluate nutrition research and programs using soy for those living with HIV/AIDS. The database includes an annotated listing of citations.

It can be searched at the website for the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH)​, which is supported by the soybean checkoff program.

"Nutrition is essential for people living with HIV/AIDS, and soy is included in a vast majority of U.S. nutrition products for HIV/AIDS patients. Soy has the benefit of delivering high-quality nutrition, even in small doses,'' said Cade Fields-Gardner, the HIV-specialist dietitian that developed the database. ``By creating this unique easy-to-use database for the public as well as health care and food industry representatives worldwide, we hope to assist anyone battling HIV/AIDS either personally or professionally.''​

Most of the information is geared toward developing and emerging country efforts dealing with both malnutrition and HIV infection. It includes information from reports prepared by the Academy for Educational Development's Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance (FANTA) Project for the U.S. Agency for International Development. The FANTA guidelines suggest a higher level of protein for people living with HIV/AIDS and offers information on soy products.

"Promoting the food and nutrition security of people living with HIV/AIDS and their household members in hard-hit countries of sub-Saharan Africa is a wise strategy for AIDS mitigation. Malnutrition may contribute both to an increased vulnerability to HIV infection as well as hasten HIV disease progression,"​ said Vivica Ingrid Kraak, an HIV specialist who conducted research in east Africa with a Cornell University team. "Until AIDS and prophylactic medications are made available and accessible to HIV-infected persons, life-sustaining foods and safe fluids may be among the most realistic and cost-effective approaches to manage HIV disease in sub-Saharan Africa."​

State soybean organisations and the American Soybean Association launched the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) last year.