Determination of nutritional status of individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

This study aim of assessing the nutritional status, anthropometric characteristics, and diet quality of patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) undergoing treatment at rehabilitation centers in Kayseri. Data related to the patients were collected through face-to-face interviews, anthropometric measurements were taken, and the Z-scores were compared with WHO reference values. The patients' three-day food consumption records were compared with the recommendations of the Turkey-specific nutrition guide (TUBER). In addition, according to the "Healthy Eating Index-2015", "good" and "poor diet quality" and "diet quality needing improvement" were evaluated. The mean age of the participants was 10.93±4.70 years, with 95.7% being male, 52.2% ambulatory, 47.83% overweight, and 21.75% obese. Age, body weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, head circumference, neck circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, calf circumference, ulna length, tibia length, and body fat percentage varied according to ambulation status. Intakes of vitamin D, Ca, dietary fiber, Mg, Fe, Cu, Fl, and Se were insufficient and although there were no patients with good diet quality according to the diet quality score, 47.8% had poor diet quality. The findings of the study indicate that the high obesity rate and low dietary quality among patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) necessitate careful consideration of their nutritional history and body composition in treatment plans. Furthermore, regular follow-up with nutritional counseling is essential in this context.