Nutritional evaluation of Huntington disease patients.

A nutritional survey and evaluation was made in Huntington disease patients by the 24-h-recall method. Control subjects and choreic patients consumed a diet that supplied all the essential amino acids. The diet was hypocaloric, rich in animal protein, and low in fat and carbohydrates. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the groups studied was less than 1. High vitamin A and low vitamin C and niacin intakes were observed in Huntington disease patients. Only 17% of control subjects showed weight deficiency; 55% of the patients at stages III and IV of the disease were malnourished despite receiving the same food intake as controls. Although iron intake was deficient in all groups studied, it was enough to maintain normal serum levels of this metal. The deficiencies found in some nutrients do not explain the clinical manifestations observed in Huntington disease patients.