ABSTRACT
Nutritional status has a definite impact on immune system function. Thus, when considering the nutritional status of an immunocompromised patient, one of the physician’s primary concerns should be that the patient’s essential nutritional requirements are being met. Nutrition is important in maintaining immune function. Thus, patients suffering from a disease of immunocompromise, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/ Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), are likely to benefit from nutritional intervention. A unique nutritional problem is selenium deficiency, rare in healthy individuals but common in HIV patients. In light of its role in secondary infection, nutritional status can be an important predictor of progression to AIDS. In light of its role in secondary infection, nutritional status can be an important predictor of progression to AIDS. Nutritional supplements can benefit the HIV/AIDS patient. These include vitamin and mineral supplements, total parenteral nutrition treatments, as well as enteral nutrition liquid supplements sold in cans.
