Vitamins, supplements, and special diets
Eating a balanced diet usually provides all the nutrients you need. You may be advised to take supplements depending on your symptoms or risk of other health problems.
Always speak to a health professional before taking any supplements. Supplements are not always needed and can sometimes be harmful. They may affect Parkinson’s medicines or cause side effects, especially if taken in high doses.
Creatine is another supplement that has been studied in Parkinson’s and is sometimes discussed by people with Parkinson’s, but it is not recommended in clinical guidance.
Vitamin B12 and folate
Some people taking levodopa may have lower levels of vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9). Regular monitoring is recommended.
Vitamin B12 and folate are important for keeping your blood healthy. They help make red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. If levels are low, your body may not have enough healthy red blood cells. This is known as anaemia.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate can cause a wide range of problems, including:
- extreme tiredness
- tingling in the hands or feet
- a sore, red tongue
- mouth ulcers
- problems with vision
- low mood, anxiety, or confusion
- problems with memory, understanding, and judgement.
If you have any of these symptoms, speak to your GP, specialist, or Parkinson’s nurse. Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency can be treated with injections or tablets to replace the missing vitamins.
People following a plant-based diet may be more at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, as B12 is mainly found in animal products. If you do not eat animal products, you may need fortified foods or supplements.
Vitamin D and calcium
Vitamin D is important for healthy bones and muscles. It helps your body absorb calcium from food.
People with Parkinson’s should take a vitamin D supplement throughout the year. This is because you’re more likely to have low vitamin D and a higher risk of osteoporosis (weak bones). Around 4 in 10 women and 2 in 10 men with Parkinson’s over the age of 50 develop osteoporosis.
A daily 10 microgram (400 IU) supplement is usually enough.
Calcium is also important for keeping bones strong.
Good sources of calcium include:
- dairy foods such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese
- plant-based milks with added calcium
- green leafy vegetables such as kale, watercress, okra, and pak choi
- tinned fish with soft bones, such as sardines.
Spinach contains calcium, but the body cannot absorb it well, so it does not count as a good source.
Most people get the calcium they need through their food and drink, but your doctor may recommend supplements if they think you’d benefit from them.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that help protect the body’s cells from damage.
They’re found naturally in fruit, vegetables, nuts, and other plant-based foods as part of a healthy diet.
Some people are interested in antioxidant supplements, such as vitamins C and E or co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10). However, there is not enough evidence that these improve Parkinson’s symptoms or slow down the condition.
Most people will get enough antioxidants from a healthy, balanced diet with a variety of fruit and vegetables.
Taking high-dose antioxidant supplements is not recommended and could be harmful. Speak to your GP, specialist, Parkinson’s nurse, or dietitian before taking any supplements.
Special diets
There’s a lot of information online about special diets for Parkinson’s. Some diets may sound helpful, but there’s limited or no evidence to show they work.
For most people, the best approach is to follow general healthy, balanced eating advice.
Before trying a new diet, it’s important to check whether:
- it’s based on reliable evidence
- the risks are explained as well as the benefits
It’s important to discuss any major diet changes with a GP, specialist, Parkinson’s nurse, or dietitian. Some diets can lead to weight loss or nutrient deficiencies.
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Thank you
Thank you to the health professionals that reviewed this information:
- Kinga Topolowska, Senior Specialist Neurosciences Dietitian, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Vanessa Jones, Specialist Dietitian (Parkinson’s and CASOP), University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust
- Suzanne Filon, Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust
Thanks also to our information review group and other people affected by Parkinson’s who provided feedback. Read more about joining our information review group.
This content will next be reviewed within 3 years of that date. If you'd like to find out more about how we put our information together, including references and the sources of evidence we use, please contact us at [email protected]