MDA 2026: More dietary protein linked to better lower limb function in MD
Study: It was not being consumed at levels needed to stimulate muscle growth
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Eating more protein was associated with better lower limb function and a higher quality of life among people with muscular dystrophy (MD), regardless of their ability to walk, according to a recent analysis.
However, in general, MD patients were not consuming protein at levels considered sufficient to stimulate muscle growth. Non-ambulatory patients, or those unable to walk. ate less protein than those who could walk.
The data were presented in a poster, titled “Protein Intake Positively Associates with Body Composition and Quality of Life Independent of Mobility Status in Adults with Muscular Dystrophy,” at the 2026 Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Clinical & Scientific Conference, being held this week in Orlando, Florida.
“All adults with MD, especially those with reduced mobility, may benefit from protein-focused dietary strategies,” the study’s researchers wrote in the poster.
Higher protein intake linked to better muscle strength in MD patients
MD encompasses a large group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. While advances in treatment mean that people with MD are now living longer and healthier lives than ever before, there is currently no cure.
Lifestyle factors play a key role in maintaining muscle strength, function, and quality of life for people with MD. In particular, diet has been studied as a lifestyle factor that could offer these benefits. While there is no specific MD diet, it is generally recommended that people with MD get enough protein to help keep muscles as strong and healthy as possible.
In a recent study, scientists found that, relative to healthy adults, people with MD consume more energy overall but less protein. In people with MD, higher protein intake was linked to better muscle strength and higher patient-perceived function.
However, whether there are differences in these measures between ambulatory and non-ambulatory MD patients has not been well-explored.
Nutritional deficiencies may be related to difficulties in cooking access
In the more recent study, the scientists examined dietary intake in two groups of adults with MD and related neuromuscular disorders:37 ambulatory patients and 22 non-ambulatory patients. Various types of MD were represented, including facioscapulohumeral MD (FSHD), limb-girdle MD, and Becker MD.
Over an eight-week period, participants completed food diaries and other patient-reported questionnaires. They also underwent assessments of body composition, mobility, and muscle strength.
In general, adults with MD were found to have poor diet quality, with deficiencies in key nutrients. The scientists believe some of these nutritional deficiencies may be related to difficulties in cooking access for people with MD.
In the general population, there’s a per-meal protein intake level considered sufficient to stimulate muscle growth. Regardless of mobility status, the study’s adults with MD generally did not meet this threshold.
Given that muscle building is already impaired in people with MD, the researchers noted that protein requirements for these individuals “may exceed existing recommendations” for healthy adults.
While overall energy intake was similar between the groups, non-ambulatory participants ate, on average, 16% less protein than ambulatory patients. They also got a smaller proportion of their energy from protein (17% vs. 19%).
Increased protein consumption may help mitigate declines in muscle mass and strength, particularly in individuals with limited mobility who may benefit most from nutrition-focused interventions.
Non-ambulatory patients also exhibited a significant, approximately 50% reduction in hand, elbow, and arm muscle strength relative to ambulatory patients.
Higher protein intake was associated with greater lean body mass, better lower limb function, and higher quality of life, regardless of mobility status, highlighting the potential benefits of a protein-rich dietary strategy.
“Increased protein consumption may help mitigate declines in muscle mass and strength, particularly in individuals with limited mobility who may benefit most from nutrition-focused interventions,” the researchers wrote on the poster.
To learn more, the scientists are now conducting a pilot study to evaluate the potential benefits of a high-protein diet in adults with FSHD.
Note: The Muscular Dystrophy News Today team is providing live coverage of the 2026 MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference March 8-11 in Orlando, Florida. Go here to see the latest stories from the conference.
