PRNewswire - November 30, 2001

"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."

The database will be of particular value to international HIV/AIDS efforts. 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."

"We realize that the AIDS pandemic requires a myriad of responses, including medications and education as well as good nutrition to boost the immune systems of those with the disease," said soybean leader Sharon Covert of Tiskilwa, Illinois. "Soy has many proven health benefits for those with heart disease, cancer and other ailments. As a soybean grower, I'm pleased to know my crop can also help those with HIV/AIDS."

Because of soy's important role in international diets, state soybean organizations and the American Soybean Association launched the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) last year. The initiative is helping America's soybean growers build more bridges between America's bounty and countries where rapidly growing populations of all income levels can benefit from soy in their diets. WISHH is exploring how soy-based foods can provide essential nutrition to the millions of people affected by HIV/AIDS, and is working closely with private voluntary organizations and other groups that share this commitment.

WISHH is supported through the soybean checkoff, a research and promotion program funded by U.S. soybean farmers. The United Soybean Board, composed of 62 U.S. soybean farmers, oversees soybean checkoff-funded investments in foreign market development, human and animal health and nutrition, research and development of new uses, and agronomic research in soybeans.

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