Nutritional care for adults with active tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease related to poverty, undernutrition and poor immune function. Most infected people never develop symptoms, however 5–10% develop active tuberculosis, where the infection is no longer contained by the immune system and a range of symptoms occur.

People with active tuberculosis are often malnourished and suffer from micronutrient deficiencies as well as weight loss and decreased appetite. Malnutrition increases the risk of progression from TB infection to active TB disease. Food insecurity, HIV and poor general nutritional status of the population are important contributors to the global burden of TB disease.

TB treatment and care should contain integrated nutritional assessment counselling and support for the duration of the illness.