Spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA, is actually a group of different muscular diseases. SMA is a progressive muscle degeneration disorder that eventually causes death. It affects approximately 4 out of every 100,000 individuals. Feeding problems are common with SMA, but good nutrition is crucial for health and growth in these individuals. If a family member has SMA, talk with a doctor about feeding challenges and how to provide the person with adequate nutrition.
Step 1
Find a speech therapist or occupational therapist to help assess any swallowing and eating difficulties. A 2007 article by CH Wang et al. published in the "Journal of Child Neurology" states that SMA patients should receive routine feeding assessments, which may include videofluoroscopic swallow studies, examination of the mouth and mealtime observation.
Step 2
Add more complex carbohydrates, like bran, whole grains and legumes, to the diet of an individual with SMA. Constipation is a common problem in SMA, report CH Wang et al,, because of poor abdominal wall muscle tone, delayed gastric motility and poor diet. Complex carbohydrates can help reduce constipation.
Step 3
Consume 2 g of protein per pound of body weight, at minimum, suggests the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability. Protein helps build muscle, which can help the muscle atrophy associated with SMA.
Step 4
Eat multiple smaller meals throughout the day. This may be especially helpful for children, and might be more manageable than three large meals.
Step 5
Monitor fat intake. Individuals with SMA may need to reduce fat intake because of defects in their metabolism of fatty acids, according to Sarah Leighton in a 2003 article published in "Nutrition and Dietetics."
References
- "Journal of Child Neurology"; Consensus Statement for Standard of Care in Spinal Muscular Atrophy; CH Wang et al.; 2007
- National Center on Physical Activity and Disability; Nutritional Suggestions for Spinal Muscular Atrophy; Valerie Lawson; January 2010
- "Nutrition and Dietetics: The Journal of the Dietitians Association of Australia"; Nutrition Issues Associated with Spinal Muscular Atrophy; Sarah Leighton; June 2003
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