American Dietetic Association and Canadian Dietetic Association

In the following viewpoint, the American Dietetic Association and the Canadian Dietetic Association argue that medical nutrition therapy and education should be a vital component of the health care of people with HIV and AIDS. Such intervention, the associations assert, is necessary to provide patients with essential nutrients and to prevent weight loss and infection. The associations are organizations of dietetic professionals who promote optimal nutrition.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What deficiencies affect the immune system and other body functions, according to the associations?
2. According to the associations, what percentage of AIDS patients will experience wasting syndrome?
3. Why must the issue of food safety be discussed with all HIV/AIDS patients, in the authors’ opinion"

Immune dysfunction resulting from infection with the human immunodeficiency virus...