Parkinson's medication, diet and supplements
Some planning of when to eat and when to take medication may be
necessary for people with Parkinson's.
It is important to take medication on time, but it is also
important to bear in mind that some food can interfere with
Parkinson's drugs.
The effect of protein on Parkinson's medication
Eating a well balanced diet will provide adequate levels of vitamins and minerals for most people.
Karen Hyland, Specialist Dietitian
For some people, protein - found in meat, fish, eggs, cheese,
yoghurt, nuts, beans and pulses - seems to interfere with the
effectiveness of their levodopa
medication.
Levodopa is the generic name of one
of the drugs used to treat Parkinson's. Brand names are Madopar
(co-beneldopa®), Sinemet (co-careldopa®), Stalevo® and
Duodopa®.
Taking levodopa 45 minutes before meals, with a carbohydrate
such as a cracker or a biscuit, can help to stop this
happening.
It's best not to reduce the amount of protein you eat as it is
an important part of a balanced diet. Reducing protein can cause
weight loss.
If you do wish to review the timing of your protein intake, it's
essential that you discuss it with your GP or a registered
dietitian.
Referral to a dietitian is generally made through your GP, a consultant doctor or a specialist Parkinson's
nurse.
You can read more on protein and medication in our Parkinson's and diet booklet.
To find out more about levodopa and other Parkinson's medication
take a look at our Drug treatment of
Parkinson's section.
Food supplements and Parkinson's
Food supplements can be useful to boost your intake of
vitamins and nutrition, but only if you are not managing to eat
enough food, due to nausea, loss of appetite or if you are
underweight.
If you are a healthy weight for your height then food
supplements should not be necessary.
If you choose to use some of the wide range of nutritional
support products available, be sure to talk to your doctor or a
registered dietitian. They can then prescribe the best supplements
for you.
Fava beans and Parkinson's
A great deal has been written on the benefits of fava beans,
also known as broad beans, for people with Parkinson's.
These claims are based on the discovery that the vicia faba
plant, which produces fava beans, contains levodopa, a drug that is commonly used to treat
Parkinson's.
Information on fava beans and their effect on Parkinson's is
limited and largely based on anecdotal information.
It's important that anyone who is considering trying these beans
discusses this with their GP first.
Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and Parkinson's
Excessive amounts of antioxidant vitamin supplements can
adversely affect your health and wellbeing, and may interfere with
your Parkinson's medication.
Supplements are also expensive. A well-balanced diet will
provide adequate levels of vitamins and minerals for most
people.
Speak to a registered dietitian or your GP before considering
vitamin or mineral supplements.
To arrange a referral to a dietitian talk to your GP, a
consultant doctor or a specialist Parkinson's nurse.
Read more on antioxidants and dietary supplements in our
Antioxidants and Parkinson's information
sheet.
Research has shown that Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a molecule present
in the body that helps to turn food into energy and acts as an
antioxidant, is often impaired in people with Parkinson's.
Our Coenzyme Q10 information sheet
looks at the use of Coenzyme Q10 supplements for people with
Parkinson's.
Also in this section
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