Abstract
In spinal cord injury patients several complications are linked to energy consumption (i.e. food intake). Total energy expenditure decreases during the first few weeks after injury.
One of the causes is the slowing down of the basal metabolic rate, the next cause is a decrease in the amount of physical activity. Readjusting the energy intake during postacute phase is essential for maintaining a stable energy balance.
The most frequent gastrointestinal problems in spinal cord injury patients are chronic constipation, difficulty with evacuation and haemorrhoids. Bowel transit time is usually slowed down, especially in tetraplegic patients.
This transit time could be influenced by nutrient amount and composition. The mentioned complications could be at least partially controlled by an appropriate intake of macronutrients and micronutrients.