How Supplements and Dietary Components Impact the Risk of Parkinson's Disease

While the role of diet is becoming clearer in preventing and treating Parkinsons Disease (PD), the use of dietary supplements isn’t as solid.

Studies on specific supplement use and PD are conflicting, and there’s limited evidence to support or deny their benefits. One study that followed subjects for nearly 30 years found no association between the use of folic acid or folate intake and PD. 1

However, some research suggests certain vitamins may help reduce the risk of PD, though the supplements need to be combined. One study found an association between the antioxidants vitamins C and E to reduce PD risk. Other factors such as body mass index and coffee intake enhanced this link. 2

Reducing saturated fat intake and consuming more polyunsaturated fats has been linked with a lower risk of developing PD as well. 3

Other foods and beverages could protect against PD such as green and black tea, coffee, apples, berries, oranges, orange juice, peppers, tomatoes, tomato juice, and potatoes notes one study. 4

Foods containing high amounts of antioxidants such as carotenoids, lutein, vitamins E, and C have also been linked to the reduced risk of PD and the progression of symptoms in older adults with PD. Carrots, squash, Brussels sprouts, kale, and spinach are examples. Foods rich in flavonoids from apples, berries, oranges, and red wine also were linked with less risk of death in PD patients. 5

Food Versus Medicine 

While medications continue to be developed for PD, few treatments are moving to phase 3 of clinical trials, the last phase before a drug is submitted for approval.

Alpha-synuclein, a protein that impacts neurotransmitters in PD may be affected by flavonoids from caffeine, curcumin, and resveratrol according to Dr. John Duda, national director of the VA Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers. They may also inhibit inflammation. The isoflavone genistein in soybeans protects dopaminergic neurons that impact PD. 6

Other dietary interventions in the treatment of PD include the use of a ketogenic diet, altering protein intake to preserve muscles and sleep, and the impact of psyllium and wheat bran on constipation and weight. The use of gluten-free diets is also being investigated. 7

Tips for Healthier Eating 

As mentioned in a previous post, adhering to a Mediterranean diet may delay the onset of PD by up to 17 years. 8 While following a strict diet can be difficult, small modifications can help. Below are simple tips:

·         Reduced fried foods and ultra-processed red meat.

·         Choose whole grains over processed grains when possible. These include rolled oats or wheat bran at breakfast, or using whole grain pasta or brown rice at lunch and dinner.

·         Cut back on commercially made snacks like chips, cookies, and other processed food.

·         Cook more meals at home and limit fast food consumption.

·         Increase intake of whole fruits and vegetables including apples, berries, and citrus fruits.

·         Add more leafy greens to your meals such as salads or kale and spinach to soups and other dishes.

·         Snack on carrots, peppers, and tomatoes.

·         Limit intake of bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and luncheon meats.

·         Choose coffee tea or water over soda, sweetened beverages, and alcohol.

·         Talk to your doctor or dietitian before trialing antioxidant supplementation.

Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD

References:

1. Flores-Torres MD, PhD, Mario H. , et. al. Long-Term Intake of Folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 and the Incidence of Parkinson's Disease in a Sample of U.S. Women and Men. Movement Disorders, 20 March 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.29383

2. Hantikainen, Essi PhD, et. al. Dietary Antioxidants and the Risk of Parkinson Disease
The Swedish National March Cohort, Neurology, February 9, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000011373

3. Kamel, Freya et al. Dietary fat intake, pesticide use, and Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, Volume 20, Issue 1, 82 – 87. January, 2014.Top of FormBottom of Form

4. Gao X, Cassidy A, Schwarzschild MA, Rimm EB, Ascherio A. Habitual intake of dietary flavonoids and risk of Parkinson disease. Neurology. 2012 Apr 10;78(15):1138-45. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e31824f7fc4. Epub 2012 Apr 4. PMID: 22491871; PMCID: PMC3320056.

5. Xinyuan Zhang, BS, et. al. Intake of Flavonoids and Flavonoid-Rich Foods and Mortality Risk Among Individuals With Parkinson Disease A Prospective Cohort Study. Neurology, March 8, 2022 issue 98 (10) e1064-e1076 https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.00000000000132

6. Meng X, Munishkina LA, Fink AL, Uversky VN. Effects of Various Flavonoids on the α-Synuclein Fibrillation Process. Parkinsons Dis. 2010 Jan 28;2010:650794. doi: 10.4061/2010/650794. PMID: 20976092; PMCID: PMC2957276.

7. van der Berg I, Schootemeijer S, Overbeek K, Bloem BR, de Vries NM. Dietary Interventions in Parkinson's Disease. J Parkinsons Dis. 2024;14(1):1-16. doi: 10.3233/JPD-230366. PMID: 38277304; PMCID: PMC10836553.

8. Fox DJ, Park SJ, Mischley LK. Comparison of Associations between MIND and Mediterranean Diet Scores with Patient-Reported Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease. Nutrients. 2022 Dec 6;14(23):5185. doi: 10.3390/nu14235185. PMID: 36501214; PMCID: PMC9739738.