Tuberculosis is a concern, but in poverty-stricken families, it becomes a bigger challenge. Poor people are at a greater risk of malnutrition, giving them lower immunity to fight back against diseases.

Tuberculosis in India:

India accounts for about 25% of the global TB burden, with an estimated TB incidence of 2.77 million in 2022. While decreasing by the year, major steps still need to be taken to eliminate tuberculosis from India.

Nutritional support can have a profound impact on the outcomes for patients with tuberculosis (TB). Here’s a breakdown of how proper nutrition affects different aspects of TB treatment and management:

Boosts Immune System: Adequate nutrition is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system. For TB patients, this means better ability to fight the infection and potentially faster recovery.

Increases Energy: TB often causes fatigue and weakness. Proper nutrition provides the energy needed for daily activities and helps patients cope with the physical demands of the disease and its treatment.

Builds and Maintains Muscle: TB can lead to muscle wasting and weight loss. Good nutrition helps in preserving lean muscle mass, which is important for overall strength and health.

Helps Achieve and Maintain a Healthy Weight: Weight loss is common in TB patients due to poor appetite and increased metabolism from the infection. Nutritional support helps in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, which is vital for recovery and overall health.

Makes Medications More Effective: Some nutrients can enhance the absorption and effectiveness of TB medications. For example, vitamin D is known to have a role in improving the efficacy of certain treatments.

Shortens Sputum Conversion: Nutritional support can potentially lead to faster sputum conversion, meaning that patients may test negative for TB bacteria more quickly, indicating that the treatment is working.

Improved Adherence to Therapy: Patients who are well-nourished are generally better able to tolerate and adhere to their TB medication regimen, reducing the risk of treatment failure or development of drug resistance.

Reduces Risk of Other Chronic Diseases: Proper nutrition lowers the risk of developing other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. This is particularly important for TB patients, who are already at higher risk of various health issues due to their compromised immune systems.