Nutrition and Muscle Fiber Remodelling After Spinal Cord Injury: A Narrative Review

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v18i1.865

Keywords:

Nutrient Supplementation, Muscle Fiber Transition, Mitochondrial Biogenesis, Spinal Cord Injury, Anabolic Resistance, Vitamin D, Ketogenic Diet, Protein, Inflammation, Omega-3

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) induces skeletal muscle atrophy and a shift in skeletal muscle from oxidative, fatigue-resistant fibers to fast-twitch glycolytic muscle fibers, contributing to weakness and dysfunction. Purpose: While exercise and electrical stimulation can partially aid in mitigating this transition, the influence of dietary strategies, despite being a cost-efficient and non-invasive intervention on skeletal muscle fiber composition remains under researched in SCI patients. Methods: A narrative review was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar. Keywords combined SCI and muscle-fiber concepts, including “fiber type,” “skeletal muscle atrophy,” with nutritional factors including “protein,” “omega-3,” “ketogenic,” “vitamin D,” “gut-derived metabolites”. Human and animal studies, mechanistic reviews, and clinical guidelines focusing on skeletal muscle outcomes in SCI or analogous skeletal muscle disuse and aging models were included. Data extracted included model, injury characteristics, intervention details, and outcomes. Results: Higher protein intake may help preserve skeletal muscle mass and support oxidative fibers. Omega-3 fatty acids and ketogenic diets show anti-inflammatory effects and enhance mitochondrial function. Vitamin D supplementation should be considered as a potential preservation method for oxidative capacity as it can increase PGC-1α levels, known to be critical for mitochondrial biogenesis. Conclusions: Nutritional strategies represent a promising, yet underexplored, avenue to influence skeletal muscle fiber composition in SCI. Further clinical studies investigating the effects of nutritional intervention on skeletal muscle in SCI patients are needed to establish evidence-based dietary guidelines and further develop the relationship between SCI and nutrition.

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2025-03-30

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Burton, N., & Nemati, S. (2025). Nutrition and Muscle Fiber Remodelling After Spinal Cord Injury: A Narrative Review. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 18(1), 35–46. https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v18i1.865

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Vol. 18 No. 1 (2025)

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STUDENTS' CORNER

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