Nutrition & PD Research

This study is currently recruiting in Northern Ireland for a study to validate a novel functional food product designed to meet the nutritional needs of people with Parkinson's. 

My Moves Matter were delighted to be involved in the design of this study.

The review article discusses the impact of dietary protein on the absorption of levodopa, a primary treatment for Parkinson's disease.​
 
Managing diet and protein intake requires proper education and monitoring to avoid complications like dyskinesias and weight loss.
 
Gastrointestinal dysfunctions, such as constipation and gastroparesis, can also affect levodopa absorption. ​

This paper highlights that:

• Only 11–15 % of people with Parkinson's disease have access to dietetic care.

• Malnutrition may be present in up to 24 % of PwP, while 60 % remain at risk.

• Dietitians are a critical component of the multidisciplinary team in PD management

• PD-specific training is needed for dietitians and other allied health professions.

• Future nutrition research should be prioritized for PD symptom management.