Muscular dystrophy (MD) defines a group of inherited disorders caused by genetic defects characterized by progressive muscle weakness. Muscular dystrophy symptoms vary by the specific type of MD, but generally include an apparent lack of coordination and progressive disabling contractures of the muscles around the joints, limiting mobility. While the research on nutrition and muscular dystrophy is limited, studies suggest that a wholesome diet supplemented with vitamins, amino acids, and herbs can help manage or reduce the debilitating muscular dystrophy symptoms.
Foods to Avoid with Muscular Dystrophy
Eliminate any food allergies by removing all common food allergens including corn, dairy, soy, wheat (gluten), preservatives, and food additives and watch for improvements in symptoms. After two weeks to four weeks, slowly add back the common allergens one at a time, realizing that it may take a day or two for the allergic reaction to appear. If you discover that one or more foods cause or aggravate symptoms, eliminate them from your diet entirely. Tests for food sensitivities are also available through your health care provider.
Avoid refined foods, including white bread, pasta, and sugar. Decrease or eliminate red meat and trans fatty acids found in commercially prepared foods including cakes, cookies, crackers, donuts, French fries, onion rings, margarine, and other processed foods, and avoid stimulants, including coffee, alcohol, and tobacco.
What to Eat for Muscular Dystrophy
Include good sources of protein (cold-water fish, lean meats, and beans). If you aren’t allergic to soy, tofu is another option. Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich foods including fruit (blueberries, cherries, tomatoes) and dark green vegetables (kale, collard greens, spinach, and green peppers). Cook with unsaturated oils (canola and olive oil) and drink plenty of filtered water—six to eight glasses daily. This is not an exhaustive list. Other vegetables and whole grains can also be included.
Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements for Muscular Dystrophy
The following vitamins and nutritional supplements may improve the quality of your life by slowing down degeneration, promoting muscle regeneration, and reducing inflammation associated with muscular dystrophy symptoms.
Take daily:
- Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil, 1 to 2 capsules or one tablespoon, to decrease inflammation and enhance the immune system.
- A multivitamin containing vitamins A, C, E, B, and trace minerals including magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium. People with muscular dystrophy tend to have low levels of selenium, vitamin E, and lecithin. Selenium is also found in nutritional (or brewer’s) yeast, seafood, legumes, whole grains, animal products, and vegetables.
- Calcium, 1000 to 2000 mg, with vitamin D, 400 to 1000 international units (IU), to support muscles and bones.
- Coenzyme Q10, 100-200 mg, at bedtime to support the immune and muscular systems. Taken with soy or vegetable oil substantially enhances its absorption. One study found 100 mg to be effective in improving the physical performance of patients with muscular dystrophies although the researchers noted that the most effective dose is likely larger.
- 200 mg N-acetyl cystein and 500 mg Acetyl-L-carnitine, both of which have antioxidant properties. The latter also supports muscles.
- A probiotics supplement containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, 5 to 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) to maintain the digestive tract and promote immune health.
- Creatine, 100 to 3000 mg (100 mcg daily per kilogram of body weight) on an empty stomach. Studies show that this supplement, used frequently by bodybuilders to enhance strength and endurance, can help people with MD improve muscle performance and strength, decrease fatigue, and slightly improve bone mineral density.
- L-theanine, 200 mg one to three times daily to support the nervous system.
- Glutamine, 1000 mg, an important energy source for many cells.
- Arginine, 900 to 2700 mg, which may stimulate muscle regeneration.
- Taurine, 1000 to 3000 mg, which may counteract exercise-induced weakness.
Herbs for Muscular Dystrophy
- Green tea, 250 - 500 mg standardized extract or up to 7 cups of tea per day, contains a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation associated with breakdown of muscle tissue.
- Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) standardized extract, 100 – 600 mg daily for antioxidant, anti-stress, and immune activity.
Consult Your Health Care Provider
Before supplementing your diet, check with your doctor or alternative health practitioner to determine which vitamins and supplements would be most appropriate. It is interesting to note that one definition of dystrophy is “a condition produced by faulty nutrition.”
More Information on Muscular Dystrophy and Nutrition
Life Extension: Muscular Dystrophy
