A group of 110 Indonesians who had recently been examined and diagnosed with TB were divided into two groups. One group was given what equals 5000 I.U. of vitamin A and 15 mg. of zinc daily. The other group was given ineffective medicine (placebo). Both groups received the standard treatment for tuberculosis.
The study showed that the persons belonging to the group who had received dietary supplements had a reduced amount of salivary tubercle bacilli compared to the group who had not been given dietary supplements. After two months of treatment, the group who received dietary supplements generally had the fewest symptoms.
Reference:
Elvina Karyadi et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of vitamin A and zinc supplementation in persons with tuberculosis in Indonesia: effects on clinical response and nutritional status,. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition April 2002;75:720-727
