Food Intake and Nutrition in Children Undergoing Treatment for Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Scoping Review.

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Europe PMCPublished 2026Nutrition, Aging & LongevityNutrition & Metabolic Health
Journal
Nutrients
Record source
Europe PMC Research Library

Abstract / Description

Background/objectivesChildren account for ∼11% of global TB cases. Adequate nutrition improves risk prediction, treatment outcomes, and helps identify children for TB-preventive treatment. We aimed to identify current evidence on food intake and nutrition, compare it with guidelines, and describe how nutrition is integrated into care for children with pulmonary TB.MethodsWe a scoping review adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) of peer-reviewed and gray literature from January 2013 to March 2026.ResultsWe found limited evidence: 16 research articles, six supplementary records, and two guideline documents. Evidence on nutrition in pediatric pulmonary TB remains insufficient. Many studies included nutritional status in clinical assessment. Few studies examined household food assistance.ConclusionsRigorous studies are needed to build evidence and translate it into practice to improve outcomes and prevent malnutrition in children with pulmonary TB.
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