Parkinson's disease affects many of the body's systems, including gastrointestinal function. Patients with Parkinson's disease commonly suffer a general slowing of the digestive process, and conflicts between nutrients and medications in terms of absorption. Certain nutrients, dietary supplements and nutrition strategies can reduce some of the problems associated with poor digestion and absorption.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a micronutrient sold in the United States as a dietary supplement. Although further research is needed to support use of coenzyme Q10 as a nutritional supplement for patients with Parkinson's disease, it is believed that its supplementation can improve the functioning of the metabolism, aiding digestion and absorption of nutrients. Generally, an adult dose of coenzyme Q10 falls in the range of 100 to 300 mg, but doses up to 3,000 mg per day have been used -- under medical supervision -- in the treatment of early stage Parkinson's disease.
Proteins
Patients with Parkinson's disease commonly experience a general slowing of the digestive system, which can affect the efficiency of nutrient absorption. In addition to ensuring sufficient nutrient consumption, it may be important to consider the timing of food and medications. Levodopa is one of the medications commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease. However, levodopa must be absorbed through the small intestine, and here it is in competition with proteins consumed in food. Therefore, you may need to take your medications at a different time to your meals in order to ensure better absorption of dietary protein and your medications.
Meal Schedule
It is particularly important for patients with Parkinson's disease to avoid skipping meals. Nausea and a loss of appetite may be symptoms of the disease itself, or a side effect of Parkinson's-related gastrointestinal issues. However, maintaining a regular meal schedule is vital for increasing the efficiency of digestion and absorption. Levodopa absorption is negatively affected by oral intake of leucine, isoleucine or phenylalanine, so you should space your medication schedule separately to your meal schedule.
Considerations
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation indicates that patients with Parkinson's disease often suffer from constipation. Although patients can reduce their risk of chronic constipation through lifestyle changes such as eating a high-fiber diet, constipation typically arises as part of the disease itself. Therefore, many patients with Parkinson's disease take laxatives to combat constipation. Long-term laxative use may reduce your absorption rate of nutrients and dietary supplements, perhaps leading to the need to consume higher doses of certain nutrients in order to absorb the amount you need. Talk to your doctor or a dietitian for advice regarding laxative use and nutrient absorption.
