Archive · 19 Aug 2025
ICMR Study Shows Nutrition Key in Fighting Tuberculosis
Scientists studied how helping people eat better could fight tuberculosis, a disease that makes people very sick.
They gave extra food to people living with those who have TB.
The study, done in India, showed that the extra food helped stop new cases of TB from spreading within families.
This is important because it could help lower TB rates in places where both TB and poor nutrition are common.
The World Health Organization is now using this information to help fight TB worldwide.
ICMR study demonstrates impact of nutrition on tuberculosis (TB) cases and fatalities.
The study was conducted in Jharkhand, India, and funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Nutritional supplementation showed a 39-48% reduction in TB incidence in households.
The WHO has incorporated findings into updated global guidance on TB control.
The study involved 2800 patients across 28 units in four districts of Jharkhand.
- Who
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- What
- A study on the impact of nutrition on reducing tuberculosis cases and fatalities.
- When
- The study concluded by July 31, 2022. The WHO has incorporated the findings into their updated global guidance.
- Where
- Jharkhand, India.
- Why
- To determine the effect of nutritional supplementation on tuberculosis incidence.
- Study Funder
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Location
- Jharkhand, India
- Participants
- 2800 patients
- TB incidence reduction
- 39-48%
- WHO Response
- Incorporated findings into global guidance
- Household contacts
- Monthly food rations and micronutrients