Tips and Tricks for...
Tips for Kids with...
Tips for kids with Muscular Dystrophy
There are nine types of muscular dystrophies (MD). However, most children and youth with muscular dystrophy (MD) have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The information below about DMD can also be applied to other types of MD.
Youth with DMD or any other form of muscular dystrophy might experience different nutritional issues. Youth with DMD have an increased risk of becoming overweight or obese, likely due to reduced physical activity and a slower metabolism. Along with obesity, malnutrition may increase the rate of muscle degeneration. Therefore, eating healthy and acquiring proper nutrients is extremely important in the management of DMD.
Healthy Eating Challenges
Youth with DMD may be deficient in protein, vitamin D, and calcium. Many youth with DMD undergo corticosteroid treatment; in this case he or she may be at an increased risk for the loss of bone density and may find it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight. To help with this healthy eating and adequate physical activity can help maintain a healthy body weight and vitamin D and calcium, can help promote healthy bones.
Youth with DMD experience an abnormal expenditure of energy, but are no specific guidelines related to caloric requirements for this population. Each individual is different and should see a Registered Dietitian to determine specific caloric and nutrient requirements.
Youth with DMD sometimes experience feeding difficulties such as chewing, swallowing, choking, gastroesophageal reflux, difficulties with self-feeding. To assist with these challenges, some recommendations include:
Tips
- Enhancing the diet with a supplement for calcium and vitamin D.
- Ensure foods are soft and easy to swallow, for example, oatmeal, soft fruits, thickened juices, milk puddings, custard, etc.
- Eating foods that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, or fish oil or supplements, which may improve their immune system and decrease inflammation.
- Enjoy eating more foods rich in antioxidants such as berries, tomatoes, spinach and bell pepper.
- Enjoy eating more lean meats instead of red meat. Lean meats such as fish, chicken, etc, which contain less fat and cholesterol.
- Watch your intake of trans fats found mainly in commercially processed foods such as cookies, chips, snack foods, and other baked products.
- Try to drink lots of water (6- 8 cups per day of fluid of which about 3-4 cups should be water)
- Avoid stimulants such as caffeine (coffee, tea, cola beverages)
- Be aware of the time that may be required to ensure adequate intake of a variety of foods. If self-feeding is a challenge, it may be appropriate to offer smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
This project was created with generous support from the Ministry of Health Promotion - Healthy Communities Fund
Copyright 2011