Health and Me

Ishita Roy

WHO’s Latest TB Guidelines Highlight Nutrition as Key to Treatment

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines, which would tackle tuberculosis (TB) and under-nutrition together. The WHO has recommended that food assistance must be provided to households with TB patients and the undernourished or food insecure must be screened for the disease. 

This has come after the Reduction Activation of Tuberculosis by Improvement of Nutritional Status (RATIONS) trial by Indian researchers. This has inspired a global shift in the TB policy. 

These trials were conducted in Jharkhand and were published in The Lancet and The Lancet Global. The trials highlighted the vital role <span>nutrition</span> plays in the reduction of mortality among people who are living with TB. It also helps in reducing the incidence among household contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis patients. 

The ICMR-supported RATIONS trial were also led by a research team headed by Dr Anurag Bhargava and Dr Madhavi Bhargava from Kasturba Medical College and Yenepoya Medical College, respectively. 

The studies also showed that weight gain in the first two months was associated with a 60% lower risk of TB mortality. It also showed higher treatment success and also a decrease in loss to follow-up. 

<h2>How Does Nutrition Help With TB Patients?</h2>

As per a 2009 study published in the Lung India, the Official Publication of Indian Chest Society, in patients with TB, it leads to reduction in appetite, nutrient malabsorption, micronutrient malabsorption, and altered metabolism. The study notes that both, protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrients deficiencies could increase the risk of TB. 

The study revealed that malnourished TB patients experience slower recovery and higher mortality compared to those who are well-nourished. Nutritional status often improves during TB treatment, but high rates of HIV in developing countries worsen the impact of malnutrition on the disease. 

Childhood TB and tuberculin skin test outcomes are also affected by poor nutrition. Experts suggest that nutritional supplementation could support faster recovery in TB patients, while improving overall population nutrition may serve as an effective strategy to control tuberculosis in underdeveloped regions.

<h2>What Should One Eat To Recover From TB?</h2>

The Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital on its website notes that dietary guidelines play a crucial role in the management of TB. So, what must someone recovering from TB consume?

Foods like eggs, lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils and nuts are excellent sources of protein. Consuming protein-rich foods help in prevention of muscle loss, and promoted healing. 

Extra aid in recovery is never too bad, thus consuming high-calorie foods can provide the necessary energy one needs while recovering. Some high-calorie food that can also be included in the diet are: yoghurt, dried fruits, whole milk, peanut butter, nuts, cheese, avocados, dark chocolate and granola bars. 

Studies too have shown that micronutrients are essential, and they play a crucial role in maintaining the immune system. Thus, one can add leafy vegetables, berries, citrus fruits, nuts and seeds. 

Other things you can include are high-energy foods, good carbs, and some super foods. What you must avoid are fried foods, alcohol, smoking and processed foods.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines, which would tackle tuberculosis (TB) and under-nutrition together. The WHO has recommended that food assistance must be provided to households with TB patients and the undernourished or food insecure must be screened for the disease. This has come after the Reduction Activation of Tuberculosis by Improvement of Nutritional Status (RATIONS) trial by Indian researchers. This has inspired a global shift in the TB policy. What Are The RATIONS trial?These trials were conducted in Jharkhand and were published in The Lancet and The Lancet Global. The trials highlighted the vital role nutrition plays in the reduction of mortality among people who are living with TB. It also helps in reducing the incidence among household contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis patients. The ICMR-supported RATIONS trial were also led by a research team headed by Dr Anurag Bhargava and Dr Madhavi Bhargava from Kasturba Medical College and Yenepoya Medical College, respectively. The studies also showed that weight gain in the first two months was associated with a 60% lower risk of TB mortality. It also showed higher treatment success and also a decrease in loss to follow-up. How Does Nutrition Help With TB Patients?As per a 2009 study published in the Lung India, the Official Publication of Indian Chest Society, in patients with TB, it leads to reduction in appetite, nutrient malabsorption, micronutrient malabsorption, and altered metabolism. The study notes that both, protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrients deficiencies could increase the risk of TB. The study revealed that malnourished TB patients experience slower recovery and higher mortality compared to those who are well-nourished. Nutritional status often improves during TB treatment, but high rates of HIV in developing countries worsen the impact of malnutrition on the disease. Childhood TB and tuberculin skin test outcomes are also affected by poor nutrition. Experts suggest that nutritional supplementation could support faster recovery in TB patients, while improving overall population nutrition may serve as an effective strategy to control tuberculosis in underdeveloped regions.What Should One Eat To Recover From TB?The Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital on its website notes that dietary guidelines play a crucial role in the management of TB. So, what must someone recovering from TB consume?Protein-rich FoodsFoods like eggs, lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils and nuts are excellent sources of protein. Consuming protein-rich foods help in prevention of muscle loss, and promoted healing. High-calorie FoodsExtra aid in recovery is never too bad, thus consuming high-calorie foods can provide the necessary energy one needs while recovering. Some high-calorie food that can also be included in the diet are: yoghurt, dried fruits, whole milk, peanut butter, nuts, cheese, avocados, dark chocolate and granola bars. MicronutrientsStudies too have shown that micronutrients are essential, and they play a crucial role in maintaining the immune system. Thus, one can add leafy vegetables, berries, citrus fruits, nuts and seeds. Other things you can include are high-energy foods, good carbs, and some super foods. What you must avoid are fried foods, alcohol, smoking and processed foods.