Body composition and body mass index in Duchenne dystrophy: role of dietary intake

Introduction:In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) muscle is replaced by adipose tissue. The role of dietary intake (DI) in DMD has not been evaluated. We examined body composition , BMI and adequacy of DI in patients with DMD and evaluated the influence of DI on body composition.Methods:Patients (n=101; age 3 to 18 years; BMI 11.8 to 29.5 kg/m2) completed a dietary recall to determine DI and underwent dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry to determine body composition.Results:Preschool‐age and school‐age boys with DMD had high total energy intake. Protein intake/kg exceeded recommendations. As age increased, the percentage of boys with abnormal BMI and fat mass increased, while lean mass decreased. Dietary intake did not predict body fat or lean mass.Discussion:Age dependent changes in BD in boys with DMD may be due to endogenous metabolic factors related to the underlying disease process and to disease‐related mobility impairments