Finding proof for the axiom that nutrition aids recovery

Finding proof for the axiom that nutrition aids recovery

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Health

Importance of Nutrition

• Proper nutrition is essential for all biochemical processes.
• It plays a fundamental role in the body’s ability to recover and heal during medical treatments.
• Medical professionals increasingly emphasize the integration of nutrition with medicine.

The RATIONS Trial: Exploring Nutrition’s Impact on Tuberculosis Patients

• Conducted by Anurag Bhargava and his team, the trial focuses on nutrition’s impact on tuberculosis patients and their families.
• Intervention and Control Groups
  • The intervention group received a 6.5 kg food basket and micronutrients.
  • The control group continued with their usual PDS-based diet.
  • Patients received a 10 kg/month food basket but were not randomized due to ethical reasons.

Key Findings:

• High prevalence of undernutrition among both household members and patients.
• Early weight gain (5% of body weight in the first 2 months) was associated with a 60% reduction in the risk of death.
• After treatment, 75% of patients were able to return to work.

Nutrition’s Crucial Role in HIV/AIDS Recovery

• HIV infection and poor nutritional status are closely linked.
• Malnutrition impairs immune function and worsens the effects of HIV infection.
• In response to these challenges, organizations like the World Food Programme initiated programs to address the lack of access to nutrition for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) on Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART).

Organizations involved:

The RATIONS trial was sponsored by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and led by researchers at Yenepoya Medical College, with other investigators from the National Institute of Research on Tuberculosis – Chennai. 

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR):

• Established in 1911.
• Apex body for biomedical research in India.
• Supports and sponsors medical research initiatives.

World Food Programme:

• Established in 1961.
• United Nations‘ food assistance branch.
• Addresses global hunger and food security.
• Provides food aid and nutrition support, especially during emergencies.

National Institute of Research on Tuberculosis – Chennai:

• Established in 1956.
• Specializes in TB and respiratory disease research.
• Conducts studies, clinical trials, and research projects related to TB and related health issues.

Tuberculosis (TB):

• TB is an infectious bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.
• It is a global health concern, with a high prevalence in many developing countries.
• Effective treatment involves a combination of antibiotics taken over several months.
• Preventative measures include vaccination (BCG vaccine) and infection control practices.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome):

• HIV attacks the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight off infections and diseases.
• Early HIV infection may not cause noticeable symptoms, but as the disease progresses, the immune system weakens.
• AIDS is diagnosed when the CD4 T-cell count falls below a certain threshold or when specific opportunistic infections occur.
• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the standard treatment for HIV, which can delay the progression to AIDS.
• Preventative measures include safe sex practices, HIV testing, and access to ART for those with HIV.