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Accepted manuscript

Diet and nutrition in patients with neuromuscular disorders, as lifestyle factors affecting clinical parameters and quality of life: a narrative systematic review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 April 2026

Silvia Marconi*
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
Giulia Gilberti
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy. NeMO-Brescia Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, 25065 Gussago, Brescia, Italy.
Barbara Zanini
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
Monica Marullo
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
Giacomo Montani
Affiliation:
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Service, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
Barbara Risi
Affiliation:
NeMO-Brescia Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, 25065 Gussago, Brescia, Italy.
Alessandro Padovani
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy. Unit of Neurology, ERN EURO-NMD Center ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
Maurizio Castellano
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
Massimiliano Filosto
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123, Brescia, Italy. NeMO-Brescia Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, 25065 Gussago, Brescia, Italy. Unit of Neurology, ERN EURO-NMD Center ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
*
*Corresponding author: Dr PhD Silvia Marconi, Email: silvia.marconi@unibs.it
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Abstract

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Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) are a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by progressive muscle weakness, motor impairment and risk of malnutrition, affecting the quality of life (QoL) of patients. While pharmacological treatments are essential for the management of symptoms, the role of diet, nutrition and other lifestyle factors remains underexplored. This narrative systematic review, performed on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus following PRISMA guidelines, aimed to investigate the relationship between lifestyle, the progression of NMDs and the QoL. A total of 30 studies (n=5055 patients) met inclusion criteria. According to our search strategy, the most representative lifestyle factors were diet (70%), physical activity (53.3%) and emotional perception and care (36.7%); 7 papers (23.3%) evaluated three or more lifestyle aspects. Overall, both quantitative and qualitative deficiencies emerged: calories, proteins, lipids and fibres, as well as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium and calcium were lower than recommended. A reduced consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, replaced by ultra-processed foods, was detected. Diets optimised for calorie and nutrients intake, rich in anti-inflammatory foods, have shown benefits both in mitigating oxidative stress and muscle degeneration. Regarding other aspects of lifestyle, although physical activity was associated with improved motor performance and QoL, adherence was low, particularly among females. Negative emotional status emerged as a critical factor influencing patients’ overall well-being. Even in the most complex neuromuscular disease settings, addressing nutrition and dietary habits, in the context of lifestyle, could support patients and their families throughout the disease course and improve their QoL.

Information

Type
Review Article
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Nutrition Society