Researchers analyzed data from around the world to understand how eating a lot of processed meat might be connected to tuberculosis (TB) infections. They found that processed meats—like bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats—may increase TB risk by causing inflammation in the body and damaging the helpful bacteria in your gut. Between 1990 and 2021, the global TB burden linked to processed meat diets decreased overall, but the problem remains worse in poorer countries and affects more men than women. The study shows that while progress has been made, significant health gaps still exist between wealthy and low-income regions.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How eating high amounts of processed meat is connected to tuberculosis cases and deaths around the world from 1990 to 2021
  • Who participated: This study analyzed global health data from 195 countries and territories, looking at information about TB cases and processed meat consumption patterns across different regions, age groups, and income levels
  • Key finding: In 2021, processed meat diets were linked to about 78,892 cases of TB-related disability worldwide and 2,362 deaths. While these numbers decreased by 4-8% since 1990, the burden remains heaviest in lower-income countries, and men are affected more than women
  • What it means for you: This research suggests that reducing processed meat consumption may help lower TB risk, especially in communities where TB is common. However, TB is primarily spread through air from infected people, so diet is just one factor among many that affects risk. Talk to your doctor about TB prevention strategies appropriate for your situation

The Research Details

This study used data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, which is one of the largest health databases in the world. Researchers used a special computer model called DisMod-MR 2.1 to combine health information from many countries and look for patterns about how processed meat consumption relates to TB cases and deaths.

The researchers measured two main things: disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), which counts both years lost to death and years lived with illness, and the number of deaths. They looked at how these numbers changed over 31 years (1990-2021) and examined differences between men and women, different age groups, and countries with different income levels.

This type of analysis is called a ‘burden of disease’ study. It helps public health experts understand which health problems cause the most suffering in different parts of the world and what factors contribute to them.

Understanding the connection between diet and TB is important because TB remains a serious global health problem, especially in lower-income countries. If processed meat consumption is a contributing factor, then dietary recommendations could be part of TB prevention strategies. This study helps identify which populations are most affected and where public health efforts should focus.

This study used established global health data sources and a recognized statistical model, which are strengths. However, the study cannot prove that processed meat directly causes TB—it only shows a connection. The analysis is based on population-level data rather than tracking individual people over time, which means we cannot be certain about cause-and-effect relationships. Additionally, the exact sample size of TB cases analyzed is not specified in the abstract, though the study covers 195 countries and territories.

What the Results Show

In 2021, the global health burden from TB linked to high processed meat diets was substantial, with nearly 79,000 cases of disability-adjusted life years and about 2,362 deaths. The good news is that these numbers have decreased since 1990—down by 4% for disability cases and 8% for deaths.

However, the improvement has not been equal everywhere. Lower-income countries (called ’low SDI regions’) are experiencing the fastest increases in TB burden related to processed meat. Meanwhile, lower-middle income countries currently have the highest absolute numbers of cases and deaths. This suggests that as some countries develop economically, they may be consuming more processed meat, which could be contributing to TB risk in these populations.

The age group most affected was people aged 50-54 years for overall disability burden, while deaths were highest in the 55-59 age group. Men consistently showed a higher burden than women across all measures. About 47% of countries studied showed increasing trends in TB burden linked to processed meat, while 43% showed increasing death trends, indicating that progress is not universal.

The study found important differences based on socioeconomic development level. Countries with lower development levels consistently bore heavier TB burdens related to processed meat consumption. The inequality between rich and poor countries has not significantly improved over the 31-year study period, suggesting that global health disparities in this area remain persistent. The data also showed that males face significantly higher risks than females across all regions and age groups studied.

This research builds on existing knowledge that processed meats contain substances that can trigger inflammation in the body and disrupt healthy gut bacteria. Previous studies have shown that processed meats are linked to various health problems. This study is one of the first to systematically examine the global connection between processed meat consumption and TB burden across multiple countries and time periods, providing a comprehensive picture of this relationship worldwide.

This study has several important limitations. First, it shows a connection between processed meat consumption and TB but cannot prove that processed meat directly causes TB. TB is primarily spread through the air from infected people, and many other factors affect TB risk. Second, the study uses population-level data rather than following individual people, which makes it harder to understand personal risk factors. Third, the accuracy of the results depends on the quality of health data reported by different countries, which varies. Finally, the study cannot account for all the complex ways that diet, poverty, healthcare access, and other factors work together to influence TB risk.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, reducing processed meat consumption may be one helpful strategy for TB prevention, particularly in communities where TB is common. However, processed meat reduction should be part of a broader approach that includes getting tested for TB exposure, completing TB treatment if infected, and ensuring good overall nutrition. The evidence suggests this is a reasonable dietary change to consider, but it is not a substitute for medical TB prevention and treatment. Confidence level: Moderate—the connection is shown in data, but individual risk varies.

This research is most relevant for people living in lower-income countries where TB is more common and processed meat consumption is increasing. It’s also important for public health officials and healthcare providers working in TB prevention. People with TB risk factors (such as close contact with TB patients, weakened immune systems, or living in crowded conditions) should pay special attention. However, everyone can benefit from reducing processed meat for overall health reasons beyond TB prevention.

If someone reduces processed meat consumption, improvements in gut health and inflammation markers might begin within weeks to months. However, TB prevention is a long-term process, and the protective effects of dietary changes would likely take months to years to significantly reduce TB risk. TB prevention also requires other strategies like vaccination, testing, and treatment when needed.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly processed meat servings (bacon, hot dogs, deli meats, sausage, canned meats) and aim to reduce by 25-50% over a month. Log the number of servings consumed each week to monitor progress toward a lower-processed-meat diet.
  • Replace 2-3 processed meat meals per week with alternatives like fresh chicken, fish, beans, or plant-based proteins. Set a specific goal, such as ‘I will eat processed meat no more than 2 times per week’ and use the app to track successful days.
  • Monitor processed meat intake monthly and track any changes in energy levels, digestion, or overall health markers if available through your healthcare provider. Use the app’s trend feature to visualize your progress over 3-6 months and adjust goals as needed.

This research shows a connection between processed meat consumption and tuberculosis burden but does not prove that processed meat causes TB. Tuberculosis is primarily spread through the air from infected people and requires medical diagnosis and treatment. This information should not replace professional medical advice, TB testing, or treatment. If you have symptoms of TB (persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss) or have been exposed to TB, consult a healthcare provider immediately. Dietary changes alone cannot prevent or treat TB. Always work with your healthcare team on TB prevention and treatment strategies appropriate for your individual situation.