Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem in Bangladesh and is closely associated with malnutrition. Poor nutritional status compromises immune function, adversely affects treatment response, and increases the risk of morbidity and mortality among TB patients.

Objective: To assess the socio-demographic characteristics, dietary intake patterns, and nutritional status of tuberculosis patients seeking health care at a tertiary-level hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 81 confirmed tuberculosis patients at the 250 Bedded TB Hospital, Shyamoli, Dhaka, from October 2019 to March 2020. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), 24-hour dietary recall, and anthropometric measurements. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI).

Results: The mean age of participants was 44.67 ± 18.06 years, with the highest proportions in the 31–40 and 51–60 year age groups (each 19.7%). Males accounted for 58.0% of patients, and 77.8% were married. Low socioeconomic status was common, with 60.5% reporting a monthly personal income ≤5000 BDT and 45.7% of households experiencing a financial deficit. Nearly half of the patients (49.4%) were underweight, with a mean BMI of 18.9 kg/m². Mean body weight was 47.31 ± 11.44 kg. Dietary intake showed heavy reliance on cereals, while 38.3% consumed no fruits and 75.3% did not consume milk or milk products. Mean daily energy intake (1530.6 kcal) was lower than mean total daily energy expenditure (1626.9 kcal), and mean protein intake was low (35.4 g/day).

Conclusion: Undernutrition is highly prevalent among tuberculosis patients and is strongly linked with poverty, poor dietary diversity, and unfavorable living conditions. Integrating routine nutritional assessment, targeted dietary support, and socioeconomic interventions into tuberculosis care programs is essential to improve treatment outcomes and reduce TB-related morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh.