In several studies, it was found that antioxidants were low in pulmonary tuberculosis sufferers, such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C). A decrease in one antioxidant level will cause the total serum antioxidant level to decrease. This decrease in antioxidants is due to insufficient intake and an increase in free radicals due to the Mycobacterium phagocytosis process. Tuberculosis sufferers experience macrophage hyperactivation, resulting in increased release of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) including superoxide, H202, and reactive nitrogen species. Vitamin C and zinc have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that have the potential to increase the effectiveness of tuberculosis treatment.  tuberculosis.