# Nutrition and diets in drug-resistant tuberculosis
Nutrition plays an important role in the recovery of people with drug-resistant tuberculosis. Research shows that nutritional status is directly linked to how well treatment works and how quickly someone recovers. This page describes which nutritional patterns are studied in drug-resistant tuberculosis and what is known about them.
Protein-rich nutrition
ProveniIncluded in official guidelines, or approved by EMA or FDA
Protein-rich nutrition means eating enough meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes or nuts daily. Protein is important for the body to repair muscles and tissues, especially after illness.
In tuberculosis — both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant — the body often loses muscle mass and weight. Research among patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis in Ethiopia (2026) shows that weight varies greatly during and after treatment; therefore, protein-rich nutrition is broadly recommended to maintain muscle mass and make the body stronger.
Protein-rich nutrition also helps strengthen the immune system, which is important for fighting the infection. There are no known risks of more protein in drug-resistant tuberculosis, as long as your kidneys function well.
Vitamin D-rich nutrition and supplements
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
Vitamin D is found in fatty fish, eggs, dairy products and dried mushrooms. The body also makes vitamin D when sunlight shines on your skin.
Research from 2026 on vitamin D and tuberculosis shows that many patients with tuberculosis have vitamin D deficiency. This deficiency is associated with weaker defence against the tuberculosis bacterium. Because drug-resistant tuberculosis is more severe and lasts longer, vitamin D supplementation could theoretically help — but there is still no strong evidence that supplementation actually improves treatment.
Correcting vitamin D deficiency with food or sunlight is generally safe and can help contribute to overall stronger health.
Antioxidant-rich nutrition
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
Antioxidants are substances in vegetables, fruit and nuts that protect your cells from damage. Examples include vitamin C (citrus, peppers), vitamin E (nuts, plant oils) and selenium (fish, eggs).
Drug-resistant tuberculosis is a severe infection that causes inflammatory reactions in the body. Research suggests that antioxidants can help reduce these inflammatory reactions. In tuberculosis, this area is still a subject of study, but a diet rich in vegetables and fruit always contributes to better health.
There are no known risks of antioxidant-rich nutrition in drug-resistant tuberculosis, except if you use certain medicines that could conflict with it — discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Sufficient calories and regular meals
ProveniIncluded in official guidelines, or approved by EMA or FDA
This simply means eating enough and not skipping meals. People with tuberculosis use a lot of energy because the body is fighting the infection.
Studies among patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis show that malnutrition and weight loss are serious problems. Malnutrition weakens the body, slows recovery and can even lead to treatment failure. In studies in Ethiopia and other countries, doctors saw that patients with better weight and nutritional status recovered much more often.
Eating regularly, even if you don't have much appetite, is therefore crucial. Small, nutritious meals several times a day often work better than three large meals.
Limit salt
ResearchediPositive results in clinical studies, not yet standard treatment
This means eating less salt than usual. Many people eat too much salt.
In drug-resistant tuberculosis, salt restriction has not been a primary subject of research. It is known that some tuberculosis medicines (especially linezolid, an important drug in drug-resistant tuberculosis) can affect the kidneys; a low-salt diet may then be cautious. This is individual and should be discussed with your doctor.
Restriction of certain foods
UnproveniNo scientific evidence that it works
Some people think you should avoid certain foods if you have tuberculosis — for example dairy products, sugar or certain vegetables. However, this is not supported by scientific research.
Dairy products contain protein and calcium, which are actually beneficial. Eating sugar is not harmful to tuberculosis itself, although a lot of sugar is generally unhealthy. Vegetables are almost always beneficial.
The only thing that matters with tuberculosis and its treatment is: make sure you eat enough, get sufficient protein, and avoid interactions with your medicines (for example grapefruit can interact with certain medicines).
Food choices and medicine interactions
It is important that you discuss your food choices with your healthcare provider or a dietitian who specializes in tuberculosis. Some medicines for drug-resistant tuberculosis work better on an empty stomach, others with food; certain foods can interact with certain medicines. Also, side effects of medicines — for example nausea or diarrhea — may mean you need to adjust your diet.
Nutrition is individualized. What is good for you depends on your own medicines, your weight, your kidney and liver function, and how you feel. This is therefore something to discuss with your care team.
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_This information never replaces the judgment of a doctor. Always discuss your dietary choices with your own healthcare provider or dietitian._