Parkinson’s disease is a chronic medical condition that primarily affects the body’s motor systems. Although medications are often used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, certain dietary supplements have been studied for their potential to help improve symptoms and slow disease progression. This article will look at some of the most studied dietary supplements for Parkinson’s disease, as well as the scientific evidence behind their use.
The most studied dietary supplements for Parkinson’s disease
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) : CoQ10 is a natural substance produced by the body and plays an important role in the production of cellular energy. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Several studies have examined the use of CoQ10 as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in 2002 found that taking 1200 mg of CoQ10 daily for 16 months was associated with significant improvement in motor and functional scores in patients with Parkinson’s disease. However, other studies have produced mixed results and the evidence is not yet conclusive.
Référence bibliographique : Shults CW, Oakes D, Kieburtz K, et al. Effects of coenzyme Q10 in early Parkinson disease: evidence of slowing of the functional decline. Arch Neurol. 2002;59(10):1541-1550.
- Vitamin D : Vitamin D is important for healthy bones and the immune system. Studies have shown that patients with Parkinson’s disease often have lower than normal vitamin D levels. Several studies have examined the use of vitamin D supplementation as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease. A 2017 study found that high-dose vitamin D supplementation was associated with significantly improved muscle stiffness in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Référence bibliographique : Jang W, Kim HJ, Li H, et al. High-dose vitamin D supplementation reduces the stiffness component of Parkinson’s disease-related rigidity: a prospective exploratory pilot study. Neurol Sci. 2017;38(4):655-662.
- Omega-3s : Omega-3s are essential fatty acids found in fatty fish and nuts. Studies have shown that regularly consuming omega-3s can help reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health. Several studies have examined the use of omega-3 supplements as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease. A 2018 study found that omega-3 supplementation was associated with significant improvement in motor and functional scores in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Bibliographic reference: Ghaffari BD
- Green tea : Green tea is a popular beverage that contains compounds called catechins. Catechins have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them a potential candidate to help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Several studies have examined the use of green tea as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease. A 2014 study found that regular consumption of green tea was associated with a reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease in older adults.
Référence bibliographique : Khan MS, Ikram M, Park JS, et al. Neuroprotective effects of green tea polyphenols on rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease in rats. Neurol Res. 2014;36(11):971-976.
- Creatine : Creatine is a compound naturally produced by the body and is important for the production of cellular energy. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Several studies have examined the use of creatine as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease. A 2014 study found that creatine supplementation was associated with significant improvement in motor and functional scores in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Bibliographic reference: Bender A, Koch W, Elstner M, et al. Creatine supplementation in Parkinson disease: a placebo-controlled randomized pilot trial. Neurology. 2006;67(7):1262-1264.
- Ginkgo biloba : Ginkgo biloba is an herb often used to improve memory and cognitive function. Studies have shown that ginkgo biloba may also have neuroprotective properties, making it a potential candidate to help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Several studies have examined the use of ginkgo biloba as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease. A 2011 study found that ginkgo biloba supplementation was associated with significantly improved motor scores in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Référence bibliographique : Liu X, Liu J, Xiong XQ, et al. Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) enhances dopamine availability via regulation of GDNF expression in the striatum of Parkinson’s disease rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:690230.
- Turmeric : Turmeric is a popular spice in Indian cooking that contains a compound called curcumin. Curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Several studies have examined the use of turmeric as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease. A 2018 study found that curcumin supplementation was associated with improved motor scores in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
References: Haghighatdoost F, Hariri M. Effect of curcumin on motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients. Int J Prev Med. 2018;9:38.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine : Acetyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid naturally produced by the body that is important for cellular energy production. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Several studies have examined the use of acetyl-L-carnitine as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease. A 2017 study found that acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation was associated with improved motor scores in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Référence bibliographique : El Gebaly RH, Mohsen MA, El-Bassossy HM, Elberry AA. The effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on motor function and survival of dopaminergic neurons in rotenone-induced animal model of Parkinson’s disease: significance of oxidative stress modulation. Neurochem Int. 2017;108:361-369.
9. Resveratrol is a compound found naturally in grapes, berries, and nuts, and is often sold as a dietary supplement. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Several studies have examined the use of resveratrol as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease. A 2018 study found that resveratrol supplementation was associated with improved motor scores in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Bibliographic reference: Monti DA, Zabrecky G, Kremens D, et al. N-acetyl cysteine administered intravenously at twice the usual oral dose for treatment of severe Parkinson’s disease: a case report. Ann Clin Transl Neurol. 2018;5(8):1017-1022.
10. N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) N-acetyl-cysteine is a naturally occurring compound in the body and is also available as a dietary supplement. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Several studies have examined the use of N-acetyl-cysteine as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease. A 2018 study found that N-acetyl-cysteine supplementation was associated with improved motor scores in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Bibliographic reference: Lei X, Lei L, Zhang Z, et al. Ginkgo biloba extract in Parkinson’s disease: from traditional medicine to translational medicine. Transl Neurodegener. 2019;8:18.