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.

Dietary Recommendations for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

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.

Getting the Right Balance

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.

Adjusting Food Textures

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.

Eating Smaller Meals

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:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions.
• Sit upright while eating, and avoid lying down for two to three hours after meals.
• Limit trigger foods, such as fatty, spicy, or acidic foods.

Increasing Vitamin D or Calcium

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.

Foods To Include in a DMD Diet

While there are no specific dietary recommendations for DMD, following certain nutritional guidelines when meal planning can help support overall health and well-being.

Lean Protein

Protein is essential for muscle health, making it an important part of a diet for DMD. Good sources of lean protein include:

• Lean meat and poultry, such as lean beef and skinless chicken or turkey
• Fish like salmon, trout, and tuna
• Beans and legumes
• Nuts and seeds

Individual protein needs may vary, so check with a nutritionist to determine the best sources and amounts for you or your child.

Water and Fiber

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:

• Whole grains, such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, and oatmeal
• Vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and leafy greens
• Fruits, including apples, pears, and berries

Foods Rich in Calcium and Vitamin D

Getting calcium and vitamin D is important for people with DMD, especially during treatment with corticosteroids. Good sources of these nutrients include:

• Fortified foods with added calcium or vitamin D, such as milk, cereal, and eggs
• Fatty fish, like trout and salmon
• Mushrooms, a plant-based source of vitamin D

Low-Glycemic Carbohydrates

The body digests low-glycemic carbohydrates (carbs) slowly, helping to provide more energy throughout the day. Low-glycemic carbs include:

• Nonstarchy vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers
• Whole grains
• Nuts and legumes

Foods To Avoid in a DMD Diet

Certain foods can have negative effects on heart health, blood sugar levels, and weight management for people with DMD and should be limited.

Salt and Saturated Fat

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:

• Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats
• Fast food and fried foods
• Packaged snacks, including chips and crackers
• High-fat dairy, like full-fat cheese and butter

Added Sugars and High-Glycemic Carbohydrates

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:

• Sugary drinks, such as regular soda, sweetened teas, and energy drinks
• Pastries and baked goods, like cakes, doughnuts, and cookies
• Candy and sugary cereals
• White bread, white rice, and processed snacks

Communicate With Your Healthcare Team

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.

Talk With Others Who Understand

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.