Patients infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus or with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome often present protein-energy malnutrition. The manifestations are heterogeneous and depend on the patient's previous health status. The nutritional status must be assessed and carefully controlled, so that satisfactory results can be achieved and the therapeutic plan can be effective. A complete detailed nutritional assessment is fundamental; besides, the health professional team and the patients themselves need to be aware of the symptoms and the disease progress, in order to take an early and integrated action.
nutrition; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; nutritional assessment; protein-energy malnutrition
