The recent studies conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICRM) have spotlighted a significant correlation between nutritional status and the prevention of Tuberculosis (TB). Published in renowned journals like The Lancet and The Lancet Global Health, these studies have profound implications for India, which is home to massive TB incidence (27%) and total TB-related deaths (35%) worldwide.
Insights from the Recent Studies on TB
ICMR’s research involved two studies that underlined the crucial role of nutrition in curbing the incidence and mortality of TB. The Reducing Activation of Tuberculosis by Improvement of Nutritional Status (RATIONS) trial demonstrated a close relationship between nutritional support and a decrease in TB cases. Meanwhile, a separate study revealed that weight gain among malnourished TB patients could lead to reduced mortality rates.
These studies involved a total of over 10,000 participants, some of whom received nutrient-dense food while others received food parcels without additional nutrition. A striking result was a 39% reduction in TB incidence in the nutrition intervention group compared to the control group. Furthermore, the risk of death due to TB was found to be significantly lowered with weight gain amongst severely malnourished TB patients in Jharkhand. These findings underline the potential of a nutrition-focused approach in India’s fight against TB.
Understanding Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and it primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs. The infection is airborne and often spreads in densely populated areas with inadequate ventilation. Symptoms include coughing, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Despite being a treatable and curable disease, strains resistant to first-line drugs have been reported in every surveyed country, leading to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB).
India’s Efforts to Eliminate Tuberculosis
With the aim of eradicating TB by 2025, India has launched several initiatives, including Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Elimination, and TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign. Also, the Nikshay Poshan Yojna has been implemented to provide nutritional support to individuals diagnosed with TB.
About the Indian Council of Medical Research
The ICMR, which carried out these pivotal studies, is the leading body in India dedicated to the coordination and promotion of biomedical research. Founded in 1911 as the Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA), it was rechristened as ICMR in 1949. The ICMR is funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. These recent studies by the ICMR underscore its commitment to combating TB and highlight the potent combination of medical research and nutritional intervention in tackling this public health challenge.
