Nutritional Health Considerations for Persons with Spinal Cord Injury

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2017 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2303-188 · Published: July 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Nutrition & Dietetics

Simple Explanation

Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to increased illness and death due to cardiovascular disease and endocrine disorders. These risks are worsened by obesity and insulin resistance, which are often caused by poor diet. Although there are no specific nutritional guidelines for people with SCI, current strategies suggest lifestyle changes, including diet, are needed for overall health management. This article discusses factors that increase risks, the current dietary profile, and effective treatments. Establishing proper nutritional guidelines and recommendations will be crucial for managing health risks in SCI and ensuring long-term health.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Maladaptive dietary/nutritional status is a key factor in the development of cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) after SCI, impacting the metabolic environment early on.
2
SCI incites persistent metabolic abnormalities, leading to long-term effects on body systems and energy balance, irrespective of dietary complications.
3
People with SCI frequently consume levels of fat that are close to or above the recommended level, which is linked to negative effects on metabolic profiles and chronic disease outcomes.

Research Summary

People with chronic SCI face significant health risks from obesity and cardioendocrine disease. Comprehensive lifestyle interventions are essential. Effective programs combine sustained nutritional guidance, moderate exercise, and behavioral retraining for weight control and disease prevention. Preventative nutritional measures early after injury may be more effective in a population where reversing established disease risks is particularly challenging.

Practical Implications

Develop targeted nutritional guidelines

Create specific, evidence-based nutritional guidelines for individuals with SCI to address CMS risks.

Implement Therapeutic Lifestyle Interventions

Incorporate TLIs that include diet, exercise, education, and support, tailored from programs like the Diabetes Prevention Program.

Address micronutrient deficiencies

Ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals often deficient in the SCI population.

Study Limitations

1
Limited evidence-based nutritional guidelines for SCI.
2
Challenges in achieving long-term compliance with lifestyle changes.
3
Difficulties in reversing obesity and related risks in persons with disabilities.

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