Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This disease primarily affects the lungs and the respiratory system and is transmitted through the air. Tuberculosis can present with symptoms such as night sweats, fever, coughing, production of phlegm, and shortness of breath. Individuals diagnosed with TB often experience weight loss, loss of appetite, and fatigue. With accurate diagnosis and proper treatment, tuberculosis can be brought under control.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s data, an estimated 10.8 million people worldwide contracted tuberculosis in 2023. Of these, 6.0 million were men, 3.6 million women, and 1.3 million children. In the same year, 1.25 million people lost their lives due to TB. After three years in which COVID-19 became the leading cause of death from an infectious agent, tuberculosis has now likely regained its place as the world's top infectious killer.
In Türkiye, tuberculosis treatment is provided free of charge at Tuberculosis Dispensaries affiliated with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye. Services include diagnosis, treatment, medication supply, and follow-up.
Maintaining a healthy life across all age groups is closely linked to a balanced dietary plan that includes essential nutrients. In this context, malnutrition can weaken the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. However, malnutrition alone is not a direct cause of tuberculosis.
Reducing malnutrition at the community level may indirectly influence the risk of developing tuberculosis. Nutritional deficiencies that weaken the immune system may increase the likelihood of contracting infectious diseases like TB. Therefore, the bidirectional relationship between nutrition and infection should be considered, and interventions should be planned using a multidimensional approach.
A significant proportion of individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis are at risk of malnutrition at the time of diagnosis. Appetite loss, increased energy demands, and metabolic burden associated with the disease often lead to weight loss. For this reason, a comprehensive nutritional assessment at the beginning of the treatment process is crucial. This assessment should include anthropometric measurements, biochemical indicators, clinical findings, and dietary history.
Nutritional status plays a key role in determining resistance to infections. While malnutrition compromises immune function, the presence of infection may also increase metabolic demands, leading to weight loss and micronutrient deficiencies.
Micronutrients such as vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, folic acid, zinc, selenium, copper, and iron play a vital role in immune function. The immune-supporting effects of these nutrients in combating infections are highlighted in the National Nutrition Council's Scientific Committee Report titled “Nutrition in Infectious Diseases, Food Supplements and Health Effects.”
Socioeconomic factors also play a significant role in the development of tuberculosis. In particular, poverty can lead to nutritional deficiencies, increasing the risk of the disease. Therefore, healthcare professionals should not only manage the clinical treatment process but also evaluate the individual's social and economic conditions and activate support mechanisms when necessary.
Tuberculosis often coexists with other health conditions such as HIV infection, diabetes, tobacco use, and alcohol or substance abuse. Since each of these comorbidities has its own unique nutritional needs and risk profiles, they should be taken into consideration during nutritional assessments and counseling processes.
