Because muscle fiber and cell deterioration occur in various forms of Muscular Dystrophy due to abnormal or absent muscle proteins, dietary considerations in reducing inflammatory injury or trying to replace key proteins have been the focus of nutritional supplementation. In addition, since muscles are inherently weak, simple routine daily activities burn more calories for any given activity than normal. This requires maintaining an adequate amount of calories in the diet. If swallowing difficulties are present, this can be even a larger challenge.

In an effort to reduce muscle membrane injury, anti-oxidant micronutrients are encouraged. These “absorb” toxic by-products of metabolism and inflammation called oxygen free radicals, and thereby reduces potential injury and decline. Major anti-oxidant vitamins include Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E, and most are found in fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, the mineral selenium is also an anti-oxidant and allows Vitamin E to have greater benefit. Because of the inability of patients with MD in some cases to obtain enough of these nutrients in the diet, supplementation may be needed. Green tea has also been reported to help through its anti-oxidant properties.

Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is considered by many to be a needed vitamin of the body although it is not yet formally classified as such. CoQ10 is a natural substance found in the cell’s mitochondria, and helps produce energy for muscle cells to function. Mitochondria are known as the “power plants” of the cells. It also has reported anti-oxidant properties, but its role in MD is theorized to provide an optimal ability for muscle cells to meet the increased energy requirements that are demanded of them. While particularly helpful in specific mitochondrial muscle disorders, it also is used commonly in all forms of Muscular Dystrophy.

Other supplements can include Creatine and L-carnitine. Creatine is a naturally occurring protein in the muscle that is converted to phosphocreatine and used to produce cell energy. Animal products (cod, salmon, beef and pork) typically contain high amounts of this protein, or it also can be supplemented. Similar to CoQ10, it is proposed to assist muscle cells in producing energy given their increased demands in MD, and also helps build muscle mass. L-carnitine is an amino acid compound that assists the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria of the muscle cells. Fatty acids are the main sources of “fuel” for the skeletal and heart muscles. L-carnitine also assists with transport of waste products of metabolism out of the cell, and may prevent these substances from causing toxic injury to the muscle cell from within. This is also found in animal protein and in dairy products.

In addition to the above, a healthy diet full of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains and animal proteins will compliment the needed nutrients to help combat the effects of Muscular Dystrophy. Maintaining enough calories to meet the body’s demands is very important, but so is weight. Being over-weight only results in greater physical demands on weakened muscles. Many individuals seek guidance from dieticians to help outline a proper diet and stay within their ideal weight range.