Nutritional Breakthrough: Reducing Tuberculosis Through Diet

An ICMR-funded study highlights the positive impact of nutritional support in lowering tuberculosis cases among household contacts. Involving 2,800 participants across Jharkhand, the study notes significant reductions in TB incidence with nutritional supplementation, prompting WHO to update global guidelines based on these findings.

An Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-funded study has showcased the significant impact of nutrition in reducing tuberculosis cases and deaths. WHO has recognized these findings, incorporating them into updated global TB control guidelines.

The study's objective was to assess the effect of nutritional supplementation on tuberculosis incidence among household contacts of adults with confirmed cases. Conducted across 28 units of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme in Jharkhand, the study involved 2,800 participants in a cluster-randomized controlled trial.

Results published in The Lancet reveal that adequate nutrition may hold the key to combating tuberculosis, especially where undernutrition is prevalent. Acknowledging the success, WHO updated their global TB control guidelines based on these insights.

(With inputs from agencies.)