Parkinson’s disease affects the brain and can impact movement, sleep, and digestion, among other functions.
Medication can help relieve symptoms, but it cannot stop the progression of the disease, according to News-Medical.
Researchers are therefore investigating whether dietary supplements may influence some of the biological processes linked to the condition.
According to a study published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, the focus is particularly on inflammation, oxidative stress, and changes in the gut microbiota.
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Mixed results
Omega-3 fatty acids are among the most widely studied supplements.
Some studies suggest they may reduce inflammation and improve certain symptoms, especially when combined with vitamin E. However, other studies have not found the same effect.
Researchers have also examined nicotinamide riboside, a form of vitamin B3.
Some trials have shown improvements in patients’ movement, while other studies have not produced clear results.
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At the same time, previously popular supplements such as creatine and coenzyme Q10 have failed to demonstrate reliable benefits in larger studies.
Focus on the gut
Another area of research concerns the role of the gut in Parkinson’s disease.
Many patients experience digestive problems several years before the first movement-related symptoms appear.
According to the research review, probiotics may help improve the gut microbiota and reduce inflammation.
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However, the researchers stress that large-scale, long-term studies are still lacking.
The study concludes that no dietary supplement has yet been proven to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Nevertheless, several supplements have shown promising results.
Sources: News-Medical and Journal of Parkinson’s Disease.
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