nutrients between blood and tissue fluid. Micronutrient deficiencies can be caused by poor food intake, by malabsorption, or by increases in nutritional needs”(Woznicki and D’Alessandro, 1997,p.1.) In addition, because the HIV-AIDS development *attacks and reduces the body’s immune system, opportunistic infections occur in the body. Consequently, throughout the progression of the disease, PWAS are unable to eat due to the manifestation of symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract such as anorexia, malabsorption, diarrhea, weight loss, oral/esophageal problems, nausea and vomiting. Anorexia*Anorexia, a change in appetite along with insufficient food consumption that will result in a decrease in weight, fat and body cell mass. Anorexia gives support to malnutrition in the HIV-AIDS progression. Oral and esophageal ulcers, fever, dysphagia and specific nutritional deficiencies, are also responsible for depressing the appetite. A study indicated that PWAS had oral *candidiasis, which result in pain, *difficulty in swallowing and a limitation in the production of saliva. Anorexia “may be present as a symptom of a specific nutrient deficiency such as vitamin A and B6 or zinc”(CAJNAS, 1989,p.69.)Nausea and VomitingNausea and vomiting is the direct result of electrolyte imbalances or dehydration in the body. However, it is normally initiated by drug therapy, radiation therapy and opportunistic infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Nausea is a sign of gastrointestinal contamination or other intestinal problems.Disorders of the Oral/Esophageal CavityIn one study 94% of PWAS had this condition, which result in soreness in the mouth along with patches on the tongue and a thrush - which is a yeast infection. This soreness would advance into the throat and the esophagus so limiting the production of saliva, resulting in difficulty in swallowing as well as soreness and blisters on the lips. Hence...
