WISHH News
New Database on HIV/AIDS Nutrition with Soy Now Available on Internet
Soybean Farmers Offer Information in Conjunction with World AIDS Day
November 30, 2001…Saint Louis… America’s soybean growers are launching a new
searchable database that will provide a rapid 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) www.wishh.org, 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.”
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.
For more information, contact:
Karen Coble Edwards, phone 703-281-7600
Cade Fields-Gardner, phone 847-516-2455
Jim Hershey, phone 1-800-688-7692
Sharon Covert, phone (815) 646-4277
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