Taking care of your nutrition is crucial for overall health, especially if you or a loved one is living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). People with DMD often develop malnutrition (not getting enough essential nutrients), so monitoring your or your child’s diet is important.
DMD is a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and wasting (shrinkage of muscles over time). DMD typically affects boys, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Symptoms can begin around ages 2 to 3 and include difficulty walking, frequent falls, and weakness in the thighs and hips. Making mindful food choices can help improve digestion, support overall well-being, and enhance quality of life for people with DMD.
People with DMD may want to check in regularly with a registered dietitian nutritionist. A dietitian can create a personalized nutrition plan to help manage weight, support the immune system, and support bone and heart health — all of which are especially important for those with DMD.
This article provides tips to help people with DMD, their families, and caregivers make informed food choices that meet their specific needs.
While there isn’t a specific diet for DMD, certain nutritional guidelines can help support overall health and well-being. The main goal is to make sure that the person with DMD gets all the nutrients they need to feel their best.
A balanced diet is important for everyone, including those with DMD. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children 1 year and older eat a variety of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. A well-balanced diet provides the right amount of calories, vitamins, and minerals needed for growth and development.
For individuals with DMD, maintaining a balanced diet is especially important, as the condition can affect metabolism and body composition. People with DMD are at a higher risk of both obesity — defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher — and malnutrition. However, BMI is just one possible indicator of health, and weight management should be tailored to a person’s needs. Work closely with your healthcare team to monitor and maintain a healthy weight.
Some people with DMD may develop dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), which can increase the risk of poor nutrition and aspiration pneumonia (a lung infection caused by inhaling food or liquids). A speech-language pathologist can assess swallowing ability and recommend safe food textures. A registered dietitian nutritionist can suggest strategies to help ensure proper nutrition when following an altered texture diet.
People with DMD may experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that causes heartburn and acid reflux. To help manage GERD symptoms, try these tips:
Corticosteroids are a key treatment for DMD because they help slow muscle loss, reduce the risk of scoliosis (curved spine), and support heart and lung function. However, taking corticosteroids for a long time can lead to osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones weak and more likely to fracture.
To support bone health, choose foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D (discussed below). Your healthcare provider may also recommend taking a vitamin D or calcium supplement, if needed.
While there are no specific dietary recommendations for DMD, following certain nutritional guidelines when meal planning can help support overall health and well-being.
Protein is essential for muscle health, making it an important part of a diet for DMD. Good sources of lean protein include:
Individual protein needs may vary, so check with a nutritionist to determine the best sources and amounts for you or your child.
Drinking enough water and eating fiber-rich foods can help prevent constipation and kidney issues, which are common in people with DMD. Try to include plenty of these foods in your diet:
Getting calcium and vitamin D is important for people with DMD, especially during treatment with corticosteroids. Good sources of these nutrients include:
The body digests low-glycemic carbohydrates (carbs) slowly, helping to provide more energy throughout the day. Low-glycemic carbs include:
Certain foods can have negative effects on heart health, blood sugar levels, and weight management for people with DMD and should be limited.
People with DMD should limit salt (sodium) and saturated fats, especially from processed foods. Since DMD can weaken heart muscles, reducing salt and saturated fats can help lower the risk of heart-related complications. Try to avoid or limit:
Foods and drinks with added sugars and high-glycemic index carbs (which break down quickly into sugar) can cause blood sugar spikes, followed by energy crashes. Fatigue (tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest) is already a challenge for people with DMD, so to help maintain steady energy levels, try to avoid or limit:
It’s important to discuss nutrition concerns with your healthcare provider and a registered dietitian nutritionist. They can answer your questions about dietary changes, weight management strategies, and whether supplements like calcium or vitamin D are necessary. By working with your healthcare team, you can be confident that your or your child’s nutrition, physical health, and overall well-being are being addressed in a well-rounded DMD care plan.
On myMDteam, the social network for people with muscular dystrophy and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, share advice, and connect with others who understand life with DMD and other types of muscular dystrophy.
Do you have any nutrition tips to share with others who have or are caring for someone with DMD? Are there particular foods you either seek out or steer clear of? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or start a post on your Activities page.
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