AUTHOR=Li Zehui , Wang Xiaoxin , Yu Yan , Jing Yingli , Du Huayong , Liu Wubo , Zhang Chunjia , Talifu Zuliyaer , Xu Xin , Pan Yunzhu , Li Jianjun 

TITLE=Nutritional alterations, adverse consequences, and comprehensive assessment in spinal cord injury: a review

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Nutrition

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1576976

DOI=10.3389/fnut.2025.1576976

ISSN=2296-861X

ABSTRACT=Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to complex nutritional alterations, including energy imbalance, skewed macronutrient and micronutrient intake, and disrupted nutrient absorption and metabolism. These changes contribute to increased risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and other comorbidities, profoundly affecting long-term recovery and quality of life. Despite the growing recognition of these challenges, nutritional assessment methods for SCI patients remain fragmented and insufficient. This review first outlines the major nutritional consequences and clinical implications of SCI, then focuses on current methods for assessing nutritional status in this population. Three major domains are discussed: body composition analysis, nutrient intake and absorption assessment, and energy metabolism monitoring. Traditional tools such as anthropometry, food diaries, and indirect calorimetry are discussed alongside advanced technologies including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and metabolomics. By highlighting both current limitations and emerging solutions, this review underscores the importance of personalized, technology-assisted nutritional assessment strategies to guide clinical decision-making and optimize outcomes for individuals with SCI.