[HIV infection. Dietetic nutritional intervention during the symptomatic phase]

This article analyzes some of the causes and the mechanisms which provoke malnutrition during the symptomatic phase of AIDS. Dietetic advise to follow is specified for the following circumstances: weight loss; diarrhea; esophagus-related problems or difficulty in swallowing; if a patient suffers nausea or vomiting; when a patient suffers from anorexia or the feeling of being full quickly. This article also deals with nutritional supplements which may be used with these patients, when enteral or parenteral nutrition is indicated, and other treatment strategies which call for the use of appetite stimulating products and anabolic agents.