Hyperalimentation is expensive, can increase the risk of infection, and may burden the patient. But determining the micronutrient status of PWAs is difficult, since infection causes shifting of some nutrients between blood and tissue fluid. Micronutrient deficiencies can be caused by poor food intake, by malabsorption, or by increases in nutritional needs. The vitamin and mineral requirements of PWAs have not been determined. Many PWAs take vitamin and mineral supplements without, or in a manner contrary to, the guidance of their physicians or registered dietitians.
Higher intakes can be hazardous, however.
Many clinicians support the use of dietary supplements by PWAs except when they consider the intake dangerously high. And AIDS itself might decrease a PWA's tolerance to high micronutrient intakes. Preventing Food Poisoning Food hygiene is critical for PWAs, whose gastric acidity may be lower than that necessary to destroy microorganisms. Moreover, PWAs are less resistant than healthy persons to pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins. Meats should be heated to temperatures above 165 degrees Fahrenheit.