Nutritional Care and Support for Patients with Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease related to poverty, undernutrition and poor immune function. TB morbidity and mortality are highest in low- and middle-income countries. 

Undernutrition increases the risk of TB. It is estimated that undernutrition causes about one quarter of all new TB cases globally. Improved global food security would greatly improve TB prevention. Nutritional support for undernourished persons with latent TB infection may reduce risk of progression to active disease. However, no proper trial has been done to confirm this.