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

ABSTRACT Introduction: In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) muscle is replaced by adipose tissue. The role of dietary intake (DI) in DMD has not been evaluated. In this study we examined body composition, body mass index (BMI), and adequacy of DI in patients with DMD and evaluated the influence of DI on body composition. Methods: Patients (n = 101; age 3–18 years; BMI 11.8–29.5 kg/m2) completed a dietary recall to determine DI and then 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 per kilogram 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. Muscle Nerve 59:295–302, 2019 See editorial on pages 277–279 in this issue.