EFFECT OF ZINC AND VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENTATION ALONG WITH INTER-TUBERCULAR TREATMENT IN PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS IN NORTH INDIAN PATIENTS

Tuberculosis is the major public health problem in throughout the world caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Result indicates that micronutrient deficiency is common in patients with tuberculosis. As per in this study patients with newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients were divided into four groups. One group (n=41) received a placebo, second group (n=47) received 5000 IU vitamin A as retinyl acetate, third group (n=49) received 15 mg zinc as zinc sulphate and fourth group (n=41) received both 5000 IU vitamin A as retinyl acetate & 15 mg zinc as zinc sulphate. All groups received the same antituberculosis treatment (ATT). Results there were no significant differences in biochemical status amongst groups at baseline. After 2 months, the number of patients with sputum smears negative for tubercle bacilli was almost equal in all the groups (Group A-90.6%, Group B-90.3%, Group C-91.4% and Group D=93.1%). After 2 and 6 months of ATT, the increase in hemoglobin, serum albumin, vitamin A and zinc concentrations were significantly higher in the micronutrient group than in the placebo group. By which we can depict that the supplementation of micronutrient improved the effectiveness of antituberculosis drugs in the first 2 and 6 month. It may be possible to reduce the antituberculosis drugs in the first and second phase of treatment or to introduce a shorter regimen. Such a shorter regimen would lead to a higher completion rate, fewer drugs adverse effect and lower cost of ATT.