Tuberculosis (TB), a disease historically known as “consumption,” is a contagious infection caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. Primarily affecting the lungs, the disease is transmitted through the air via coughing or sneezing. Common symptoms include night sweats, persistent coughing, fever, production of phlegm, and shortness of breath. Additionally, patients often experience fatigue, appetite loss, and body weight reduction. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, TB can be brought under control.
According to the latest data published by the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 10.8 million new TB cases were recorded worldwide in 2023. Among these, approximately 6 million were men, 3.6 million women, and 1.3 million children. That same year, 1.25 million people lost their lives due to tuberculosis. After having been overshadowed by COVID-19 during the pandemic years, tuberculosis has once again emerged as one of the leading causes of death from a single infectious agent.
In Türkiye, tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment are provided free of charge at Tuberculosis Dispensaries affiliated with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye. These facilities offer comprehensive services including diagnosis, treatment planning, medication supply, and patient monitoring.
Maintaining a healthy life at any age is closely linked to a balanced and adequate diet that includes essential nutrients. Undernutrition weakens the immune system, leaving individuals more vulnerable to infections like tuberculosis. However, this does not imply that TB is caused solely by nutritional deficiencies.
Reducing undernutrition in the population can indirectly contribute to lowering the prevalence of infectious diseases. Especially in cases where nutritional deficiencies suppress immune responses, the risk of developing diseases like tuberculosis increases. For this reason, the interaction between nutrition and infection should be considered multidimensionally, and intervention strategies should be designed accordingly.
A significant number of individuals diagnosed with TB are also at risk of malnutrition at the time of diagnosis. Appetite loss, increased energy needs, and metabolic burden often lead to notable weight loss. Therefore, it is essential to carry out a comprehensive nutritional assessment at the beginning of the treatment process. This evaluation should include anthropometric measurements, biochemical data, clinical findings, and dietary history.
Nutritional status plays a key role in determining the body’s resistance to disease. While undernutrition compromises immune function, the presence of infection increases the body's need for energy and nutrients, further exacerbating deficiencies.
Micronutrients such as vitamins A, C, D, E, and B6, as well as folic acid, zinc, selenium, copper, and iron, are critically important for maintaining immune function. The Scientific Committee Report titled “Nutrition in Infectious Diseases, Dietary Supplements and Health Effects”, published by the National Nutrition Council under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, highlights the immune-supporting effects of these micronutrients.
The emergence of tuberculosis is influenced not only by biological factors but also by environmental and social determinants. Poverty, inadequate living conditions, and poor nutrition are among the main contributors to increased disease incidence. Therefore, healthcare professionals should assess not only the clinical course but also the social and economic conditions of individuals, activating support mechanisms when necessary.
Tuberculosis often coexists with other health conditions such as HIV, diabetes, tobacco use, alcohol, or substance addiction. Since each of these comorbidities has its own specific nutritional needs and risk profiles, they must be taken into account during nutritional assessments and counseling processes.
