Login to the AD Community

Forgot your password?

Close







Actions

Edit This Article

Add New Tags

Add New Resources

Create a new article

Print Friendly Version

 

Nutrition maintenance

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is due to the fact the dystophin muscle is not producing protein, the usual response or thought is to eat more protein, but a diet high in fluid fiber, fresh fruits, and vegetables is recommended as it can improve digestion.

Boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy are at risk of low bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis. Vitamin D and calcium help to prevent this. These can be obtained from certain foods or from calcium and vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D also comes from sunshine on the skin.

Weight loss or weight gain is sometimes a problem. Excess weight gain can be due to lack of mobility or to corticosteroid treatment. Weight loss can happen if there are a lot of chest infections. Advice from a dietician is useful, and vitamins or supplements can help for someone who is underweight.
Since DMD boys already have weakened muscles, it is very important not to increase the stress on them by inducing excess weight.

Depending on the boys appetite, controlling the calorie intake may be a challenge, but it is imperative to keep them slim. Avoid salty foods since steroids increase water retention. Maintain a lean meat and fish diet with steamed vegetables and fresh fruit. Avoid processed food and sodas. Extra calcium is a need so increase non-fat milk products. The more the family joins in on this healthy diet, the better the outcome for the boy.

As at present There is no proven evidence that keeping to the dietary restrictions has an effect on muscular dystrophy.

Tags

Resources

Images

There are currently no images for this article.