Numerous supplements may help slow the progression of Huntington's disease. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or NINDS, Huntington's disease is caused by the genetically programmed degeneration of neurons, or brain cells, in certain parts of your brain. Common signs and symptoms associated with Huntington's disease include uncontrolled movements, intellectual decline and emotional disturbances. Before taking dietary supplements to manage your condition, consult your physician for possible side effects and proper dosage.
Creatine
Creatine may be an effective supplement to help slow the progression of Huntington's disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid, or protein building block, that is found in certain foods, including fish and meat. Creatine is also made by your liver, kidneys and pancreas. Your body converts creatine into creatine phosphate, or phosphocreatine, and stores it in your muscles, where it is eventually used for energy. The report of a study published in the January 2005 "Journal of Neurology" states that there is evidence from in vitro and animal experiments that creatine supplementation might prevent or slow the progression, or neurodegeneration, associated with Huntington's disease. The researchers state, however, that creatine's neuroprotective effect is challenging to replicate in clinical trials. Before taking creatine to treat Huntington's disease, consult with your physician about possible side effects and proper dosage.
EPA
Eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, is a dietary supplement that may help treat Huntington's disease. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, states that EPA is one of several omega-3 fatty acids used by your body. EPA is found in cold-water fatty fish and fish oil supplements. According to the UMMC, most people in the Western world do not get adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. A study reported in the 2005 edition of "Nutrients, Stress, and Medical Disorders" found that there is strong evidence pointing to the involvement of lipids in the functional changes, or pathophysiology, associated with Huntington's disease. According to the study, beneficial changes in neuropsychological functioning in Huntington's disease patients appear to accompany treatment with ultra-pure EPA. Before taking EPA for your Huntington's disease, talk with your physician about possible side effects and the proper dosage.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 may be helpful in slowing the progression of Huntington's disease. According to the Medline Plus, coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a vitamin-like substance found throughout your body, especially in your heart, liver, kidney and pancreas. When you eat meats and seafood, you consume small amounts of coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 can also be synthesized in the laboratory, and it is frequently used as medicine to treat a wide spectrum of health conditions, including Huntington's disease. A review article in the October 2003 edition of the journal "Current Medical Chemistry" states that although no study has unequivocally shown that coenzyme Q10 can slow the progression of neurodegenerative disease, clinical trials suggests that supplemental coenzyme Q10 can slow the functional decline associated with Parkinson's disease, Friedreich's ataxia and Huntington's disease. Consult with your physician before using coenzyme Q10.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: What is Huntington's Disease?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Creatine
- "Journal of Neurology"; Creatine Supplementation; Andreas Bender et al.; January 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Eicosapentaenoic Acid
- "Nutrients, Stress, and Medical Disorders"; Treatment of Huntington's Disease; Basant K. Puri; 2005
- MedlinePlus: Coenzyme Q-10
