Manual of Clinical Nutrition

HIV Infection and AIDS

Manual of Clinical Nutrition Management III- 56 Copyright © 2013 Compass Group, Inc.

Table III-12:-Nutrition Management Strategies for People With HIV Infection or AIDS (1)
Complication Possible Causes Nutrition Interventions
Anorexia Medication
Infection
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Pain
Anxiety
Depression
Other medical therapies

Review medications.

Consider appetite stimulants.

Recommend small, frequent, nutrient-dense

foods; eating in a pleasant atmosphere;

and easy-to-prepare food or assistance

with meals.

Consider medical nutritional supplements.

Consider vitamin and mineral supplements if

symptoms or biochemical tests indicate

deficiency.

Nausea and vomiting Medication

Infection

Anxiety

Fever

Medical therapies

Review medications.

Consider antiemetics.

Consider altering medication times.

Recommend small, frequent feedings; dry

foods, soft foods, cold or room-

temperature foods, and salty foods;

elevation of upper body during and after

meals; and liquids between meals.

Ensure proper food-medication schedule.

Consider medical nutritional supplements.

Consider vitamin and mineral supplements if

symptoms or biochemical tests indicate

deficiency.

Recommend oral rehydration.

Diarrhea

Medication

Antibiotic therapy

Infection

Foodborne or waterborne illness

Food intolerance

Other medical conditions

Medical therapy

Anxiety

Stress

Review medications.

Recommend oral rehydration; replace

electrolytes; increase soluble-fiber foods;

evaluate tolerance to gas-forming foods,

fat, and lactose.

Consider intravenous rehydration.

Consider yogurt or probiotics if long-term

antibiotic therapy is required.

Consider vitamin and mineral supplements if

symptoms or biochemical tests indicate

deficiency.

Consider pancreatic enzymes.

Oral and esophageal lesions Medication

Infection

Malnutrition

Oral and esophageal candidiasis

Kaposi sarcoma and other

malignancies

Review medications.

Recommend soft, nonspicy, nonacidic foods;

pureed foods or thickened liquids; and oral

supplements.

Consider a topical analgesic to decrease

mouth pain.

Consider medical nutritional supplements.

Consider vitamin and mineral supplements if

symptoms or biochemical tests indicate

deficiency.