Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a heterogeneous group of inherited neuromuscular disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and multisystem involvement. In addition to skeletal muscle degeneration, individuals with MD frequently experience secondary complications affecting bone density, gastrointestinal (GI) function, neurologic health, sleep quality, and overall energy metabolism. While disease-modifying therapies remain limited for many MD subtypes, supportive care plays a critical role in preserving function, quality of life, and long-term health outcomes.
This lecture reviews the evidence supporting targeted nutritional and micronutrient interventions as adjunctive strategies in the multidisciplinary management of muscular dystrophy. Key areas of focus include bone health support through optimization of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2 to address increased fracture risk and steroid-associated osteopenia; GI health interventions including magnesium, probiotics, and dietary fiber to support motility, microbiome balance, and medication tolerance; and neurologic and mitochondrial support using omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, and B-vitamins to aid cellular energy production and neuromuscular signaling.
Additional discussion will address sleep quality, fatigue, and energy regulation, with attention to iron status, B12, and magnesium, as well as the role of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in disease progression. Evidence from clinical trials, observational studies, and neuromuscular care guidelines will be reviewed, emphasizing safety considerations, dosing ranges, and potential interactions with conventional therapies.
This presentation is designed for clinicians caring for individuals with muscular dystrophy and aims to provide practical, evidence-informed guidance on nutritional assessment and intervention as part of comprehensive, patient-centered neuromuscular care.