Nutrition in nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease: A narrative review.

The clinical outcomes of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) are largely influenced by nutritional status. However, specific nutritional intervention strategies for NTM-PD have not been established, making management challenging. This narrative review summarizes the immunopathology associated with mycobacterial infection and the effects of malnutrition on immune responses. It further examines the clinical impact of malnutrition and the nutritional characteristics of patients with NTM-PD, highlighting the significance of nutritional intervention. Additionally, we review the current knowledge on nutritional therapy for NTM-PD, drawing insights from approaches used in related conditions. Although nutritional support may improve patient outcomes and is clearly needed, evidence regarding its effectiveness remains limited. Consequently, incorporating nutritional assessment and individualized intervention into comprehensive care currently represents the best clinical practice.