Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status of Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Puducherry, South India

A bidirectional relationship exists between tuberculosis (TB) and nutrition. To examine the dietary intakes of tuberculosis (TB) patients and to identify the factors associated with dietary deficiencies. In this cross-sectional study, 173 newly diagnosed sputum smear-positive TB patients, and taking treatment in the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) were included. Nutrient intakes were evaluated through one day 24-h dietary recall and compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Data on dietary intake was analyzed using DietSoft software. The mean (SD) age of the study participants was 45.5 (18.7) years with majority male (73.4%). More than one-third (35.3%) didn’t receive any formal education and 28% were unemployed. Nearly half (47%) had diabetes mellitus, 45.1% were alcoholics, 39.3% were smokers, and 36% underweight. The mean (SD) daily intake of energy was 1414.33 (458.45) kcal and the median (Interquartile Range) of protein was 43.15 (30.00-60.26) gms. The daily energy and protein intake were lower than the national guidelines for RDA. The intake of micronutrients was found to be much lower than recommended. The intake of macronutrients and selected micronutrients in TB patients were grossly inadequate. Along with vitamin supplementation, dietary counseling also is needed in this population. Keywords: Dietary intake, Nutritional status, Risk behaviors, Tuberculosis