Protocol · Neurological/Neuromuscular
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Supportive Care Protocol
Vitamin D and Calcium are the core of this stack, with 6 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Supportive Care.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
8 supplements · 1 graded
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | ||||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 1,000–2,000 IU daily (higher if deficient) | Critical for bone health; deficiency common with corticosteroid use; supports muscle function | Not graded yet | |
| Calcium | Amount listed: 1,000–1,200 mg daily from diet and supplements | Essential for bone health; critical with long-term corticosteroid use | Not graded yet | |
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | ||||
| Coenzyme Q10 | Amount listed: 100–200 mg daily | Supports mitochondrial function; may help with muscle energy and reduce oxidative stress | Not graded yet | |
| Creatine | Amount listed: 5 g daily | May help maintain muscle mass and strength; some evidence in muscular dystrophies
| Grade C for Creatinine3 studies · 30 people | |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 1–2 g EPA+DHA daily | Anti-inflammatory; may help reduce muscle inflammation and fibrosis | Not graded yet | |
| Carnitine | Amount listed: 1–2 g daily | Supports energy metabolism in muscle; may help with cardiac function | Not graded yet | |
| Protein Supplements | Amount listed: 1–1.2 g protein/kg body weight daily | Supports muscle protein synthesis and maintenance | Not graded yet | |
| Taurine | Amount listed: 1–3 g daily | Muscle membrane stabilizer; some preclinical evidence for muscular dystrophy | Not graded yet | |
How this protocol works
In plain language
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a severe genetic muscle disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene on the X chromosome. It primarily affects boys, occurring in about 1 in 3,500-5,000 male births.
HOW IT WORKS:
Dystrophin is a protein that helps keep muscle cells intact. Without it, muscles are damaged with each use and gradually replaced by fat and scar tissue, leading to progressive weakness.
PROGRESSION:
- Ages 1-3: Delayed motor milestones, calf enlargement
- Ages 3-5: Difficulty running, climbing stairs, Gowers' sign
- Ages 6-12: Progressive weakness, loss of ambulation typically by age 12
- Teens: Scoliosis, respiratory decline, cardiomyopathy develops
- 20s-30s: Respiratory and cardiac complications
CRITICAL: DMD requires comprehensive multidisciplinary care. This protocol is SUPPORTIVE ONLY and does not replace standard treatment.
STANDARD TREATMENTS:
- Corticosteroids (prednisone, deflazacort): Slow progression, standard of care
- Gene therapies: FDA-approved options for specific mutations (exon skipping, micro-dystrophin)
- Cardiac care: ACE inhibitors/beta-blockers for cardiomyopathy
- Respiratory care: Night-time ventilation, cough assist
- Physical/occupational therapy
- Scoliosis management
NUTRITIONAL CHALLENGES:
- Steroid side effects (weight gain, bone loss)
- Swallowing difficulties in later stages
- Constipation
- Obesity risk with reduced mobility
Vitamin D and Calcium* are CRITICAL for bone health with steroid use.
CoQ10 and Creatine* may provide some muscle support.
Protein* helps maintain muscle mass.
Expected timeline: DMD is progressive. Management focuses on maintaining function as long as possible and managing complications.