For those of us who exercise a lot and value our muscle strength, muscular dystrophy (MD) can be a devastating diagnosis. It’s an affliction that gradually weakens the muscles in the body over time, resulting in painful and debilitating physical limitations that can make everyday activities difficult. Fortunately, advances in nutrition research are leading to exciting new supplements designed to help people with MD create more sustainable muscle movement — potentially making it easier to get through your day with less pain. In this blog post, we’ll explore how MD works and what nutritional options are available for helping you manage symptoms and enhance mobility. Read on to find out how to fight back against MD with science-backed solutions!
What is Muscular Dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy is a complex blend of 30 skeletal muscle diseases. These 30 genetic diseases are inherited as opposed to contracted from outside sources. A mutation of the section of genetic code tasked with the creation and maintenance of muscle tissue is the cause of muscular dystrophy. In the overwhelming majority of instances, the mutation is inherited from one or both parents. There is a small percentage of MD cases that occur at conception spontaneously, even if neither parent carries the genetic marker.
There are nine types of muscular dystrophy. However, the most common is Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This form results from a gene mutation that causes a reduced amount of dystrophin to be produced in the body. This lacking prevents cell stability in the muscles of the body. This form of MD develops during childhood and generally progress towards its fatal conclusion by the time the person reaches their late 20s.
All forms of muscular dystrophy have progressive muscular deterioration as an indicator, though each type varies in their symptoms and age of onset. Parents who note challenges with learning to walk, stand or run may have cause to suspect that their child has MD or other diseases related to the muscular system. Some forms of MD can also cause a degradation of the respiratory and heart muscles.
Is Muscular Dystrophy an Autoimmune Disease
Muscular dystrophy is a term used to describe a group of inherited disorders affecting muscle function and strength. This disease has long been a subject of interest for medical experts, as it shows no discrimination and affects both children and adults. Although the condition is mainly genetic, several studies have suggested an autoimmune component that triggers muscle damage.
Common Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy
Muscle Weakness
One of the most common symptoms of muscular dystrophy is muscle weakness. This weakness typically manifests in the shoulders, pelvis, upper arms, and thighs. It may lead to difficulties performing daily activities like lifting, walking, and climbing stairs. In most cases, muscle weakness initially appears in the lower body and eventually spread to other muscles.
Frequent Falls
Muscular dystrophy also results in a gradual decline in muscle strength, increasing the likelihood of frequent falls. Patients may also have difficulty getting up while seated or standing from a lying position, and they may need assistance.
Hypotonia
Hypotonia, also known as ‘floppy baby syndrome,’ is a condition that leads to low muscle tone, causing the muscles to feel weak and having less resistance to stretching. Children born with Muscular Dystrophy often have hypotonia and can experience difficulty in holding their heads up, rolling over, crawling, or walking. This reduced muscle tone can also cause drooling, open mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
Contractures and Joint Stiffness
Muscular Dystrophy can often lead to muscle contractures that cause the muscles and tissues to become shorter and tighter. This can cause the joints to become stiff, leading to limited mobility and range of motion. The contractures can cause major complications in the body, including pressure sores, urinary tract infections, and even difficulty breathing.
Respiratory and Cardiac Issues
As muscular dystrophy progresses, the condition can lead to respiratory and cardiac issues. The muscles responsible for breathing may also be affected, leading to shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. As a result, many muscular dystrophy patients may require breathing aids. Additionally, cardiac muscles may also become weaker, which can lead to an abnormal heartbeat. Cardiomyopathy, a condition that weakens the heart muscles and reduces cardiac function, is also a common complication of Muscular Dystrophy.
Muscle Pain and Cramps
Muscular dystrophy can also result in muscle pain and cramps, especially after exercises. The muscles may also feel tender and sore, and the severity of the pain varies depending on the extent of muscle involvement.
Delayed Motor Skills
Infants may also exhibit signs of muscular dystrophy with delayed motor skills development such as crawling, sitting, and walking. Children with muscular dystrophy may experience difficulty keeping up with their peers in activities like running and jumping.
Fatigue and Exhaustion
Individuals with Muscular Dystrophy often experience fatigue and exhaustion at a higher rate than healthy individuals. The severity of the fatigue and exhaustion can vary from person to person, but it can severely impact an individual’s daily life, leading to restlessness, irritability, and depression.
Can Muscular Dystrophy Happen Later in Life?
Late-onset muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder that occurs in adults over 40 years old. Unlike other types of muscular dystrophy that manifest in childhood, late-onset muscular dystrophy is slow to progress and often goes unnoticed. The primary cause of late-onset muscular dystrophy is an abnormal mutation in one of several genes responsible for muscle function. When these genes are impaired, the proteins responsible for the normal function of skeletal muscles do not work correctly. The result is a progressive and irreversible loss of muscle mass, strength, and function.
Is Muscular Dystrophy a Neurological Disorder?
Muscular dystrophy is a condition that affects an individual’s muscles, leading to progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. It’s a devastating disease that can cause a great deal of pain, both physical and emotional, for the individual and their loved ones. Many may wonder if muscular dystrophy is a neurological disorder, since it affects the muscles. The answer is yes, and we’ll explore why.
Muscular dystrophy arises from genetic mutations that cause abnormal proteins to form, leading to muscle damage and atrophy. This damage is by a defect in the muscle cells themselves, but this defect is regulated by nerve cells in the body. Nerve cells are responsible for sending signals to your muscles to move, which causes your muscle cells to contract. In muscular dystrophy, the communication between nerve cells and muscle cells is disrupted.
The nervous system is the body’s communication center, responsible for sending and receiving signals throughout the body. Since muscular dystrophy affects the communication between nerve cells and muscle cells, it’s classified as a neurological disorder. Additionally, many individuals with muscular dystrophy experience a range of neurological symptoms, including fatigue, muscle spasms, and loss of balance.
Types of Muscular Dystrophy
Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy
Oculopharyngeal MD usually appears between the ages of 40 and 70. Symptoms specific to this form are:
- A weakening of throat muscles
- A weakening of eyelid muscles
Due to how the disease affects the throat over time, patients may lose the ability to swallow on their own. This further causes a secondary condition of emaciation due to the inability to maintain proper eating habits. This form progresses slowly.
Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy
Myotonic MD usually appears between the ages of 20 and 40. Symptoms specific to this form are:
- A weakening of all muscle groups
- Delayed post contraction muscle relaxation
This form progresses very slowly, often over the course of more than 50 years.
Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy
Limb-Girdle MD usually appears during late childhood to middle age years. Symptoms specific to this form are:
- A weakness of the shoulder girdle
- A weakness of the pelvic girdle
- Wasting
Patients suffering from this form of MD tend to expire due to cardiopulmonary complications. This form progresses slowly.
Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy
Facioscapulohumeral MD develops starting from childhood until the early adult years. Symptoms specific to this form are:
- Facial muscle weakness
- Shoulder weakness
- Wasting of the upper arms and shoulders
This form progresses slowly but has periods of rapid deterioration.
Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy
Emery-Dreifuss MD usually appears during childhood to the early teen years. Symptoms specific to this form are:
- Weakness in the upper arms, shoulder and shin muscles
- Joint deformities
- Wasting of the shin, upper arms and shoulders
This form progresses slowly, however, an increase in chances of sudden death is possible. Sudden death is a result of cardiac problems from Emery-Dreifuss MD.
Distal Muscular Dystrophy
Distal MD usually appears between the ages of 40 and 60. Symptoms specific to this form are:
- A weakness of the lower leg, hands and forearm muscles
- Wasting of the hands, lower leg and forearms
This form progresses slowly and doesn’t often lead to disability or becoming incapacitated.
Becker Muscular Dystrophy
Becker MD usually appears during adolescence or early adulthood and is almost solely restricted to the male population. Symptoms specific to this form are:
- General muscle weakness of all voluntary muscles
- Wasting of the pelvis, upper legs and upper arms
- Delayed post contraction muscle relaxation
This form progresses at a steady pace over the course of the patient’s life. Those suffering from Becker MD do not often live past the age of 30.
Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
Congenital MD only presents at birth. Symptoms specific to this form are:
- General muscle weakness
- Joint deformities
This form progresses slowly, and the life span of those afflicted with this form is very short.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne MD usually appears between the ages of two and six. Symptoms specific to this form are:
- General muscle weakness of all voluntary muscles
- Wasting of the pelvis, upper legs and upper arms
- Delayed post contraction muscle relaxation
This form progresses at a steady pace over the course of the patient’s life. Those suffering from Duchenne MD do not often live past the age of 20. This form is limited to males, but the rare female who develops Duchenne MD tends to have a milder form and can survive till middle age.
What is the Most Common Form of Muscular Dystrophy?
DMD is the most common form of muscular dystrophy, affecting one in every 3,500 male children worldwide. It is caused by a mutation in the gene that produces dystrophin, a protein responsible for maintaining and repairing muscle fibers. Without dystrophin, muscle cells become weak and eventually die, leading to progressive muscle wasting and weakness. DMD usually presents between the ages of 2 and 6 years, with initial symptoms including difficulty in walking, frequent falls, trouble getting up from a lying or sitting position, and enlarged calf muscles. As the disease progresses, patients may experience respiratory and cardiac complications, increase in muscle weakness and disability, and a reduced lifespan. Currently, there is no cure for DMD, but treatment options such as steroids, physical therapy, and assisted devices can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Causes of Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy of all forms occurs due to a mutation on the X chromosome. There are 9 types of MD, and each type is caused by a different mutation. Although the mutations are different, each stops the production of dystrophin in the body. When the body doesn’t produce dystrophin, it isn’t able to repair or build muscle, which will lead to progressive muscle atrophy over time.
Dystrophin is an important protein because it helps the muscles in your body perform properly. It also helps the cells in the muscle link to other components and the outer membrane. When this process is disrupted, it results in a slow but steady death of the muscles in the body.
Genetic Factors
Muscular dystrophy typically runs in families. The mutation usually only develops into MD in males, but it can be passed on by both parents. This group of inherited diseases that lead to muscle atrophy and progressive disability may not develop in every generation even if the gene is passed on. A person can inherit MD from a single parent or both parents. It will be passed on as a dominantly inherited disorder, a recessive inherited disorder or a sex-linked disorder. In rare cases, it can occur at birth as a spontaneous mutation.
Those who inherit the gene from only one parent, their inherited gene is recessive. While they will not develop MD, they are a carrier and will pass on the gene to their children. Those who inherit the gene from both parents, there is a 25 percent chance of:
- Developing muscular dystrophy
- Carrying only the father’s faulty gene while remaining unaffected
- Being born without either faulty gene
- Carrying only the mother’s faulty gene while remaining unaffected
Spontaneous gene mutations at birth that result in the development of muscular dystrophy can occur even if neither parent were carriers. This is rare and there is no way to ascertain the cause or predict the occurrence MD in these cases.
Diagnosing Muscular Dystrophy
Diagnosis for muscular dystrophy usually involves blood tests, genetic tests, muscle biopsies, and electromyography. The tests confirm whether a person has muscular dystrophy, the specific type, and the extent of muscle damage. Early diagnosis is crucial for successful management, as it allows for the development of a care plan that can slow down the progression of the disease.
Living With Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy generally affects males, though it can occur in females on rare occasions. Living with muscular dystrophy is difficult regardless of sex, and the type of MD you have determines your estimated life span. Some forms of MD turn fatal within a decade while others may take more than 50 years before the effects lead to death. There is no way to prevent MD, but you can lower the chances of passing it on to your children by screening both parents for the faulty gene prior to conception.
Tip #1: Stay Active
Staying active is essential for maintaining muscle strength, flexibility, and overall health. While some physical activities may be challenging, there are several low-impact exercises and adaptive sports that can benefit individuals with muscular dystrophy. Tai chi, swimming, wheelchair basketball, adaptive yoga, and wheelchair racing are just a few examples of activities that can help you stay active and engaged. Consult your doctor or physical therapist to develop a personalized exercise plan that suits your needs and abilities.
Tip #2: Eat Nutritious Foods
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for maintaining optimal health and energy levels. Muscular dystrophy can affect the digestive system, making it difficult for some individuals to swallow or digest certain foods. Therefore, it’s essential to choose nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest, such as lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Consult a registered dietitian for individualized advice on your dietary needs and restrictions.
Tip #3: Seek Support
Living with muscular dystrophy can be mentally and emotionally challenging. It’s essential to have a supportive network of friends, family members, healthcare professionals, and support groups who understand your condition and can offer guidance, empathy, and encouragement. Consider joining a local or online support group, connecting with other individuals with muscular dystrophy, or seeking counseling or therapy if you experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
Tip #4: Pursue Your Passions
Living with muscular dystrophy doesn’t mean you have to give up on your goals and dreams. Pursuing your passions and interests can be a source of joy, purpose, and fulfillment. Whether it’s traveling, writing, drawing, playing music, or engaging in advocacy work, find a hobby or activity that brings you joy and pursue it passionately. With creativity, flexibility, and determination, you can achieve your goals and inspire others with muscular dystrophy to do the same.
Tip #5: Embrace Adaptive Technology
Technology advancements have made the lives of individuals with muscular dystrophy much more comfortable and convenient. From motorized wheelchairs and voice-activated devices to adapted vehicles and home modifications, adaptability technology has helped enhance independence and accessibility for people with mobility impairments. Embrace these technological advancements to make your life easier, more enjoyable, and more fulfilling.
Muscular Dystrophy Treatment
Although there is no cure for muscular dystrophy, there are medications that may help slow the progress of the disease. There are also several therapies that can help keep those who suffer from MD mobile for as long as possible. Prescription muscular dystrophy treatment options are usually a combination of two types of drugs.
Medications
There are several medications that can help manage the symptoms of muscular dystrophy. One of the most common drugs prescribed for this condition is corticosteroids. This medication can help delay the progression of the disease and improve muscle strength. However, it’s important to note that corticosteroids can cause side effects like high blood pressure, weight gain, and osteoporosis.
Another type of medication that may be prescribed for muscular dystrophy is immunosuppressants. These drugs work by suppressing the immune system, reducing inflammation, and slowing down the progression of the condition.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a vital part of managing muscular dystrophy. This treatment aims to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and function. It can also help to reduce muscle stiffness, joint contractures, and improve overall mobility. During physical therapy, patients may be required to do exercises, stretches, and use assistive devices.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy focuses on improving the ability of a person with MD to perform their daily activities such as dressing, cooking, or bathing. It helps people with MD to learn new techniques or use adaptive equipment that helps them to do these activities independently. It is important for people affected by MD to maximize their daily living skills in order to maintain their independence and self-esteem.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be an option for people living with muscular dystrophy. For example, scoliosis is a common side effect of this condition, and surgery may be required to correct it. Surgery can also be done to release contractures, remove bone spurs, and improve joint function. However, surgery is not recommended for everyone, and it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.
Gene Therapy
Recently, gene therapy has become a promising treatment option for muscular dystrophy. This treatment involves delivering a functional copy of the defective gene that causes the condition. This way, the body can produce a protein that’s essential for muscle growth and function. Gene therapy is still in its early stages, and more research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness fully.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy involves using stem cells to regenerate damaged or lost muscle tissue. This treatment is still experimental, but it has shown promising results in animal studies. Researchers hope that stem cell therapy can eventually be developed into a standard treatment for Muscular Dystrophy.
Assistive Devices
Assistive devices can help individuals with muscular dystrophy aid in daily activities, communication, and mobility. Wheelchairs, walkers, and canes are some of the most commonly used devices. For individuals with MD, respiratory devices such as breathing machines may also be used when breathing becomes difficult.
Muscular Dystrophy in Females
Muscular dystrophy in females is caused by genetic mutations that lead to the progressive breakdown of muscle tissue in the body. These mutations affect the genes that control muscle proteins, resulting in muscles that are weak and unable to function correctly. Females can inherit these mutations from their parents or develop them spontaneously. Certain types of muscular dystrophy are passed down through generations in families, while others occur randomly.
Supplements for Muscular Dystrophy
Creatine
Creatine is a popular supplement among bodybuilders and athletes, but it can also benefit people with muscular dystrophy. This supplement can improve muscle strength and endurance, making it easier for you to perform daily activities. Additionally, creatine supplements may also help reduce muscle damage caused by exercise, which is crucial for people with muscular dystrophy. However, it’s important to discuss with your doctor first as creatine is not recommended for some people with kidney problems.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known for its role in bone health, but it can also benefit muscle function. Recent studies have linked low levels of vitamin D with an increased risk of falls and weakness in people with muscular dystrophy. That’s why taking a vitamin D supplement may be beneficial. The recommended amount varies depending on your age, but most people need between 600 and 2,000 IU per day.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that your body needs to function properly. They are in fatty fish, flax seeds, and chia seeds. Studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and muscle damage, two factors that contribute to muscle weakness in muscular dystrophy. Moreover, these fatty acids show to improve muscle function and mobility in people with this condition. You may take omega-3 in supplement form from Bulksupplements.com. We sell them as omega-3-6-9 softgels, fish oil, and krill oil.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient that plays a vital role in energy production in your cells. Research has suggested that people with Muscular Dystrophy may have lower levels of this nutrient, which could contribute to their muscle weakness. By taking a CoQ10 supplement, you may be able to boost your energy levels, reduce muscle damage, and improve your exercise tolerance.
Protein
Protein is essential for repairing and building muscles in your body. Studies have shown that people with muscular dystrophy may have a higher need for protein than the general population. For optimal muscle health, you should aim to consume about 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. Protein supplements like whey protein may be a good option to help you meet your protein requirements.
Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) Capsules
Acetyl L-carnitine (ALCAR) capsules are a powerful tool in the fight against MD. It is to help protect muscle activity and is a powerful antioxidant. The supplement also helps to battle oxidative stress, which can contribute to the progression of the disease. If you are taking blood thinners, it’s important to speak with your doctor since acetyl L-carnitine increases their effect. Patients with a history of seizures should not take acetyl L-carnitine. The recommended dosage is a 600 mg capsule 1-3 times daily depending on your desired effect.
Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid that is essential for muscle growth and repair. People with muscular dystrophy experience muscle wasting, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue. Taking glutamine supplements can help to increase muscle mass, improve muscle strength, and reduce muscle damage. It also helps to reduce muscle inflammation, which is vital for those with Muscular Dystrophy.
Ascorbic Acid Powder
Although MD is genetic, a lack of proper nutrition can exacerbate the symptoms of the disease. Most adults are vitamin C deficient, which can lead to the atrophy of muscles and increase the progression of the disease. Ascorbic acid Powder and vitamin C powder supplements are a good way to prevent oxidative stress and to give the cells of the muscles a boost of essential nutrients. Vitamin C can help build muscle, though in MD patients it helps to slow the deterioration caused by the disease. The recommended dosage is 1,000 mg per day maximum.
BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) Powder
Branched-chain amino acids encourage your body to synthesize protein. They also prevent the degradation of protein in the body with no ill side effects. For MD patients, the muscles are lacking the essentials they need to function, making BCAA (branched chain amino acids) powder an effective tool to boost muscle efficiency. They help to prevent muscle breakdown, which in turn will slow the progress of the disease. The recommended dosage is three capsules per serving, three times daily (9 capsules). The supplement should take half an hour before or after physical activity.
The Bottom Line
Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases by a genetic defect that leads to muscle weakness in the body that gets worse over time. Muscular atrophy is also a group of diseases, but they are responsible for causing spinal nerve and muscles to waste away. While similar, they are different ailments that have different treatments and affect a separate group of people.
It’s possible that one out of every 3,500 births results in muscular dystrophy worldwide. Unlike other conditions that are by environmental factors, muscular dystrophy is genetic and passes down through families. As MD progresses, moving normally becomes much more difficult. For some patients, breathing can become labored and the heart may cease functioning properly. Certain forms of MD may cause life-threatening complications over time. MD symptoms can remain mild or progress towards disability, and in some cases, it can lead to death. There is no way to cure muscular dystrophy, but there are treatments, supplements and therapies that can provide a better quality of life for those suffering from MD.
Living with muscular dystrophy can be challenging, but with the right exercises and supplements, you can manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. The above-listed supplements can help to reduce muscle weakness, improve muscle function, and slow down the progression of muscular dystrophy. Before taking any supplement, please consult your doctor to ensure that it’s safe for you. Additionally, make sure you buy the supplements from reputable sources to get the best results. Take control of your muscular dystrophy and live your best life possible!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease
