Supplements and Parkinson's Disease

Written By: Renee Rouleau- M.S. Neuroscience and Bridges for Parkinson’s medical contributor

Hello friends!  We’re back with a ”supplement” about supplements! Although it is ideal to get vitamins and nutrients through whole and healthy foods, sometimes that’s not easy, or your body needs an extra boost. 

Supplements can help manage symptoms and support brain health by filling in nutritional gaps where regular meals might fall short, providing essential nutrients for optimal brain function.

Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil, are important for brain health due to their anti-inflammatory properties and role in maintaining brain cell structure and function. Research suggests they may potentially slow the progression of Parkinson’s  and boosting overall brain function (Detopoulou et al., 2024) by reducing brain inflammation and stress.

Vitamin D can be beneficial for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Beyond its established role in promoting bone health, Vitamin D is important for brain health. Research indicates that low levels of Vitamin D may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's, possibly by supporting nerve cell growth and offering neuronal protection (Behl et al., 2022). Additionally, Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, which is particularly relevant for those with Parkinson's who often experience elevated inflammation (Calvello et al., 2017).. Supplementing with Vitamin D can help ensure adequate intake, especially for individuals with limited sun exposure.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an emerging supplement that shows promise for supporting brain health in Parkinson's patients. It functions as an antioxidant, helping cells produce energy and protecting them from damage caused by "oxidative stress." This oxidative stress can prematurely break down and kill nerve cells. Research suggests that CoQ10 might slow down the progression of Parkinson's by improving cell function and reducing oxidative stress, thereby prolonging the life of neurons, particularly those involved in motor function (Bagheri et al., 2002). While more studies are needed, CoQ10 supplements could be a helpful addition to a supplements routine.

In summary, supplements such as omega-3s, vitamin D, and CoQ10 can be important allies in supporting brain health and managing Parkinson's disease. They can help reduce inflammation, protect brain cells, and improve overall function. Please remember,  given folks’ needs are different, it's always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, as everyone's needs are different. By choosing the right supplements, you can take positive steps to support your brain health and improve your quality of life.

References:

Bagheri, S., Haddadi, R., Saki, S., Kourosh-Arami, M., Rashno, M., Mojaver, A., & Komaki, A. (2023). Neuroprotective effects of coenzyme Q10 on neurological diseases: a review article. Frontiers in neuroscience, 17, 1188839. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2023.1188839

Behl, T., Arora, A., Singla, R. K., Sehgal, A., Makeen, H. A., Albratty, M., Meraya, A. M., Najmi, A., & Bungau, S. G. (2022). Understanding the role of "sunshine vitamin D" in Parkinson's disease: A review. Frontiers in pharmacology, 13, 993033. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.9930

Calvello, R., Cianciulli, A., Nicolardi, G., De Nuccio, F., Giannotti, L., Salvatore, R., Porro, C., Trotta, T., Panaro, M. A., & Lofrumento, D. D. (2017). Vitamin D Treatment Attenuates Neuroinflammation and Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration in an Animal Model of Parkinson's Disease, Shifting M1 to M2 Microglia Responses. Journal of neuroimmune pharmacology : the official journal of the Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology, 12(2), 327–339. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11481-016-9720-7

Detopoulou, P., Voulgaridou, G., Saridaki, A., Argyris, E.-M., Seva, V., Dedes, V., Giaginis, C., Panoutsopoulos, G. I., & Papadopoulou, S. K. (2024). Omega-3 fatty acids’ supplementation in parkinson’s disease: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Clinical Nutrition Open Science, 55, 102–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutos.2024.03.007