May 7, 2025 • 48 mins
Are you navigating the complex world of supplements for Parkinson's disease? In this episode of the Live Parkinson's - Live an Exceptional Life podcast, we cut through the hype and examine what the science actually says about dietary supplements and their potential impact on your Parkinson's journey. We delve into the evidence behind commonly discussed supplements, exploring their proposed benefits and potential risks, all grounded in scientific research.
In this episode, we'll cover:
- Unpacking the Rationale: Understanding why people with Parkinson's explore supplements, focusing on oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Evidence-Based Insights: Examining the scientific studies on popular supplements like CoQ10, Creatine, Omega-3s, Vitamin D, and more.
- Clinical Trial Outcomes: Reviewing the results of key clinical trials – highlighting what the research truly shows (both positive, negative, and inconclusive).
- Gut Health & Probiotics: Exploring the emerging link between the gut microbiome and Parkinson's, and the potential role of probiotics and prebiotics.
- Navigating the Supplement Maze: Essential considerations including individualized approaches, potential drug interactions, quality and purity concerns, and red flags to watch out for.
- The Critical Role of Your Healthcare Team: Emphasizing why consulting your neurologist and other healthcare professionals is paramount.
Ready to make informed decisions about supplements and your Parkinson's care?
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only is not intended to treat or diagnose Parkinson's Disease. Please ensure that you are following the treatment plan developed by your doctor. Please ensure before starting anything new you get approval from your doctor. The information being provided is based on my own personal experiences and does not guarantee that it will benefit everyone.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
Whoa and welcome to Live Parkinson's.
Live an Exceptional Life thepodcast where we explore real
life strategies, stories andscience to help you live your
best life with Parkinson's.
I'm Chris Kastenbader and I'vebeen walking my Parkinson's
journey for 15 years.
Today's topic is one wherewe're going to illuminate fact
from fiction and provide youwith science-backed information
(00:32):
on products getting talked abouta lot for Parkinson's, and that
is supplements.
So the title of today's episodeis Parkinson's Disease and
Supplements Benefits, risks andScientific Findings.
Now we know that living withParkinson's can be a constant
search for answers.
The internet seems to bebuzzing with claims about
supplements.
Can a pill slow downParkinson's?
(00:54):
Are you wondering if thatturmeric, coq10, or probiotic
can make a difference?
In this episode, we cut throughthe confusion and examine what
the scientific studies actuallyreveal about supplements and
Parkinson's management.
So before we jump in feet,first let's set the stage for
what we'll be discussing in thisepisode.
First, we'll lead it off withunderstanding Parkinson's and
(01:17):
the role of nutrition in helpingus manage the disease, because
this will help us understand whypeople are evaluating or taking
supplements as part of theirParkinson's medication regimen
and if they can be beneficial.
Then it's time to focus onexamining the evidence for
specific supplements and providethe science on their
effectiveness, benefits andrisks relating to Parkinson's.
(01:38):
In segment one, we'll evaluatethe antioxidant, coq10, vitamin
E and vitamin C, and then insegment two, we'll just we'll
focus on neuroprotective agentslike creatin and some of the
uric acid precursors as examples, and then in segment three,
we'll explore gut health andprobiotics.
We'll look at some of the mostcommonly used supplements in
(02:00):
this category and then, insegment four, we'll discuss some
other commonly used supplements, including vitamin D and
omega-3 fatty acids.
Then we'll roll into discussinghow to navigate the supplement
landscape, including theimportance of individualized
approaches, potential risks andinteractions.
We'll talk about quality andpurity, concerns, red flags and
(02:24):
misinformation and the criticalrole your healthcare provider
plays.
Then we'll close it out withkey takeaways and future
directions.
So if you want to understandmore about supplements, I hope
you'll join me on this podcast.
Now, before we get too deep intosupplements for Parkinson's, I
just have a brief disclaimer.
The information being providedin this episode is for
(02:46):
educational purposes only anddoes not constitute medical
advice.
It is based solely on myresearch and the available
science on supplements and theiruse in Parkinson's management.
Please consult your health careprovider for any questions or
before taking any supplements.
They'll provide you with theinformation on whether
supplements are appropriate foryou and your specific needs.
(03:09):
All right, so if you're ready,let's get going Now.
Let me ask you a non-judgmentalquestion.
Do you take any supplementsbecause you've heard it helps
you manage your Parkinson'ssymptoms?
If so, how familiar are youwith the benefits and risk of
taking the supplement, and dothey actually work?
(03:30):
Now, the reason I ask thisquestion is we're all looking
for ways to help us improve ourmotor and non-motor symptoms.
Supplements are one of the hottopics in chats and other places
on the internet, but how do weknow if the information is
accurate and reliable?
You often see terms likeclinically reviewed, clinically
(03:51):
evaluated, natural, but what dothese terms actually mean?
That's what we'll be sharing inthis episode to help you
identify fact from hype byhaving a better understanding
about the science and researchbehind the most common and
popular supplements beingrecommended for Parkinson's.
Now I think it's important tofirst understand Parkinson's and
(04:13):
the role that nutrition plays.
As we all know, parkinson's isa neurodegenerative process that
is due to the loss ofdopaminergic neurons or the
brain cells that producedopamine, and dopamine is a
neurotransmitter which isimportant in movement and motor
control.
So, as those neurons die, motorand non-motor symptoms may
(04:35):
occur.
So why are supplements beingexplored for Parkinson's?
The interest stems from theunderstanding that several key
(05:01):
cellular and molecular processesgo awry in.
Parkinson's is characterized bythe progressive loss of
dopamine-producing neurons inthe area of the brain called the
substantia nigra.
So this loss of neurons isbelieved to be significantly
driven by increased oxidativestress.
So what is oxidative stress?
(05:21):
Well, oxidative stress occurswhen there is an imbalance
between the production ofharmful free radicals, so these
are molecules that can go aroundand damage your cells and our
body's ability to neutralizethem with antioxidants.
So these free radicals candamage some of our cellular
components, like our DNA,proteins and lipids, which a lot
(05:45):
of times make up the cellmembranes, and that can lead to
the dysfunction of the neuronsin the brain and cause cell
death.
So what's the connection withsupplements to oxidative stress?
Well, many of the supplementsare explored for their
antioxidant properties.
The idea is that, by increasingthe antioxidant capacity, these
supplements might help toneutralize the free radicals and
(06:08):
reduce oxidative stress damageto neurons and potentially slow
down the neurodegenerativeprocess.
So some examples would includecoenzyme Q10, or also known as
CoQ10, vitamin E and vitamin C.
All right, the next isinflammation.
Chronic inflammation in thebrain, known as
(06:29):
neuroinflammation, is becomingincreasingly recognized as a
significant contributor to theprogression of Parkinson's.
So what's the supplementconnection?
Well, certain supplementspossess anti-inflammatory
properties.
By helping to regulate theinflammatory response in the
brain, the supplements may helpprotect neurons and alleviate
(06:50):
some Parkinson's symptoms.
So examples of supplements inthis category would include
curcumin from turmeric, omega-3fatty acids and certain
flavonoids.
Another that people look tosupplements for help with is
mitochondria dysfunction.
So if you recall from the deeprecesses of your mind from high
(07:11):
school biology class that themitochondria are the powerhouses
of the cell, so they'reresponsible for producing energy
for the cells.
Now in Parkinson's, there isevidence of mitochondrial
dysfunction in affected neurons.
So what does this mean?
Well, this impaired energyproduction can lead to cellular
(07:32):
stress and ultimately contributeto the cells dying.
So what supplements are oftenconsidered?
Some supplements areinvestigated for the potential
support of mitochondrialfunction.
For example, coenzyme Q10 playsa crucial role in the electron
transport chain within themitochondria.
(07:54):
Creatin is also explored forits powerful and potential to
enhance intercellular metabolicmetabolism intercellular
metabolic metabolism.
It's crucial to remember that,while the rationale for
exploring supplements isgrounded in the underlying
pathology of Parkinson's, thescientific evidence supporting
their efficacy is often limited,mixed or preliminary.
(08:16):
So many studies have beenconducted in cell cultures or
animal models, and the resultsdo not always translate to
humans.
Well-designed, large-scaleclinical trials in humans are
essential to definitivelydetermine the benefits and risk
of specific supplements forParkinson's.
Also because everyoneexperiences Parkinson's
(08:37):
differently, what may showpromise for one individual may
not work for somebody else.
So, while the biologicalrationale for exploring
supplements is compelling,people with Parkinson's should
always consult with theirneurologist or movement disorder
specialist before you start anynew supplement regimen.
Now, before we move into lookingat specific supplements, I
(08:59):
wanted to touch onevidence-based decision making,
because it's what we'll use toevaluate the effectiveness of
specific supplements.
So what exactly isevidence-based decision-making?
Well, evidence-baseddecision-making in healthcare
uses three components.
The first is the best availableresearch evidence.
So this involves finding,evaluating and using the most
(09:24):
relevant and rigorous scientificstudies to inform our
healthcare choices.
Second is clinical expertise.
This refers to the knowledge,skills and experience of
healthcare professionals indiagnosing and managing patient
conditions.
It involves understanding thenuances of each individual case
(09:46):
and applying research findingsappropriately.
And then the third part ispatient values and preferences.
So what this does is itacknowledges that each
individual has unique values,beliefs and preferences that
should be considered when makinghealthcare decisions.
Now, what is acceptable ordesirable for one person may not
(10:08):
be for somebody else.
So, in the context ofsupplements and Parkinson's,
evidence-based decision-makingmeans not relying solely on
anecdotal evidence, personaltestimonies or marketing claims.
Instead, it emphasizes lookingat what well-designed scientific
studies have actually foundregarding the potential benefits
(10:29):
and risks of specificsupplements for individuals with
Parkinson's.
All right, let's turn ourattention now to looking at
specific supplements that arebeing used for, and promoted for
, parkinson's, and we'll lead itoff with antioxidants, and
we'll start with coenzyme Q10.
(10:49):
That's one that most peopleheard about.
So what is CoQ10?
Well, it's a vitamin-likesubstance that plays a crucial
role in cellular energyproduction, particularly within
the mitochondria, which we justtalked about earlier.
Now, coq10 helps convert foodinto adenosine triphosphate and
(11:10):
again, if you think back to highschool biology and that may
scare a lot of people but it'sthe primary source of energy for
all our cellular functions, andit's also known as ATP.
It's also a potent antioxidant.
Antioxidants help protect cellsfrom damage from free radicals,
which are unstable moleculesthat harm cell membranes or DNA
(11:33):
in our protein.
Now we mentioned earlier thatoxidative stress is believed to
be involved with Parkinson's.
So the rationale in using CoQ10for Parkinson's is twofold.
First is its antioxidantproperties.
So by acting as an antioxidant,coq10 may help neutralize the
excess free radicals present inthe brain of people living with
(11:55):
Parkinson's.
So this could potentiallyreduce the oxidative stress
damage to dopamine producingneurons and slow down their
degeneration.
Dopamine-producing neurons andslow down their degeneration.
And that's, according to thestudy, the effect of neuronal
(12:15):
CoQ10 deficiency andmitochondrial dysfunction on
retinone-induced neurons cellmodel of Parkinson's disease.
That was published in theInternational Journal of
Molecular Sciences and that wasdefinitely a mouthful.
Now the second reason forpotential use of CoQ10 is
mitochondrial support.
Now, with evidence ofmitochondrial dysfunction in
Parkinson's, coq10's role inenergy production within the
(12:38):
mitochondria suggests that itmight help improve the cellular
energy metabolism and theaffected neurons, making them
more resilient to stress.
So the thought is that CoQ10can help keep the energy
production going and help thoseneurons survive the stress of
(12:59):
oxidation from free radicals.
Now a review of key studies andfindings on research on CoQ10
for Parkinson's has yieldedmixed and largely disappointing
results from well-designedclinical studies.
There was a study called theQE2 trial and that was an
earlier phase 2 trial and itshowed some signals of slower
(13:22):
functional decline inindividuals with early
Parkinson's who received highdoses of CoQ10, which were 600
to 1,200 milligrams a day over16 months, compared to placebo.
So the results of this studygenerated initial optimism that
this supplement could bebeneficial.
Now some open-label studies insmaller trials Now open-label
(13:45):
refers to studies thatparticipants know what
medication that they're going tobe taking and those smaller
trials in the open-label studiessuggested potential benefits in
motor function and slowing thedisease progression with CoQ10
supplementation.
Now the ubiquinol study, whichwas a pilot study using the
(14:06):
reduced form of CoQ10, suggestedpotential benefits in those
wearing off effects fromlevodopa, but not in early
untreated Parkinson's.
Now, while these studies seem toshow promise, there are larger
clinical studies with negativeand inconclusive data.
So let's take a look at thesenow.
Now this data is from larger,more definitive trials the QE3
(14:32):
trial, which was a Phase IIIstudy, which was a large
multicenter Phase III trial andit was sponsored by the National
Institutes of Health, and whatit did is it tested higher doses
of CoQ10, up to 2,400milligrams a day in individuals
with early Parkinson's diseaseover a 16-month period, and the
(14:55):
study was actually haltedprematurely because it showed no
clinical benefit in slowingdisease progression compared to
placebo.
And then the NET-PD trial.
Another large trial also testedhigh doses of CoQ10, 2,400
milligrams per day and found nosignificant decrease in disease
progression compared to placebo.
(15:16):
So, based on this data, let'ssummarize what the current
consensus is with using CoQ10 asa primary treatment for
Parkinson's.
So, based on the evidence fromlarge, well-controlled clinical
trials, the current consensus isthat high-dose CoQ10
supplementation has not beenshown to provide a significant
(15:37):
benefit in slowing theprogression of Parkinson's
disease or significantlyimproving its symptoms.
The promising signals fromearlier small studies were not
confirmed in the more rigorousPhase 3 trials.
While CoQ10 is generallyconsidered safe and
well-tolerated at the doses usedin these studies, the lack of
(15:59):
demonstrated clinical efficacyfor Parkinson's does not
currently support its routineuse as a disease-modifying agent
.
So, to conclude, the currentrecommendation is that
individuals with Parkinson'sshould discuss the use of CoQ10
with their neurologist.
All right, now let's look at thedata on our next antioxidant
(16:20):
supplement, vitamin E.
Now, most of us have all heardof vitamin E, but what is it?
Vitamin E is a group offat-soluble compounds, meaning
that it'll mix and dissolve intofat and therefore can be stored
in our bodies.
It's a potent antioxidant andthe most biologically active
(16:40):
form in humans isalpha-tocopherol.
So what does that mean?
Well, it means that vitamin Eis an meaning that our bodies
cannot produce it.
So we need to get in our dietsthrough such type of foods like
nuts, seeds and vegetable oilsand leafy greens, or through
supplementation by takingvitamin E supplements.
(17:03):
Now, vitamin E acts as a majorchain-breaking antioxidant in
cell membranes, which protectsthem from damage caused by what
they call lipid perioxidation.
Protects them from damagecaused by what they call lipid
perio-oxidation, which is aprocess where free radicals
attack the lipids or fats andthat causes cellular damage.
Now let's look at thetheoretical basis for combating
(17:24):
oxidative stress in PD withvitamin E.
Now, as we mentioned before,oxidative stress is a
significant factor in theprogression of Parkinson's.
Vitamin E, being a powerfulantioxidant, theoretically could
help with helping to scavengefree radicals.
It could directly neutralizereactive oxygen and other free
(17:46):
radicals, preventing them fromdamaging cell components.
Another theoretical thought isthat they can help protect the
neural membranes.
Vitamin E could help maintainthe integrity and function of
neuron cell membranes so thatthey don't become stressed and
die off.
So, given the rationale thatvitamin E has been investigated
(18:10):
as a potential neuroprotectiveagent in Parkinson's.
Let's review some of the keystudies and findings Now.
The research on vitamin Esupplementation in Parkinson's
has shown mixed results andlet's look at some of these key
studies Early observationalstudies and these were some
early epidemiological studies,and they suggested an inverse
(18:33):
association between dietaryintake of vitamin E and the risk
of developing Parkinson's.
So what does that mean?
It means that individuals withhigher dietary vitamin E intake
appeared to have a slightlylower risk.
However, these studies couldnot establish a causal
relationship, meaning that theycouldn't say that because they
(18:55):
were taking the vitamin E, thatthis caused a slightly lower
risk of Parkinson's.
Now the DATATOP or Deprinil andTocopherol Antioxidative Therapy
of Parkinson's Trial was alarge multicenter
placebo-controlled double-blindtrial that investigated the
(19:15):
effects of both Deprinil orSelegiline and high-dose
alpha-tocopherol and remember,that's one of the potent forms
of vitamin E and they used 2,000international units per day in
early untreated Parkinson'spatients.
And the findings from thisstudy showed that both Deprinil
(19:37):
and alpha-tocopherol treatmentgroups reached the primary
endpoint, or the need forlevodopa therapy, significantly
slower than the placebo group.
So this suggested a potentialdisease-modifying effect.
So this suggested a potentialdisease-modifying effect.
Now, while the initial resultswere initially promising.
(20:01):
Subsequent long-term follow-upof the DataTop cohort studies
showed that the apparent benefitof alpha-tocopherol did not
persist over many years.
Additionally, the very highdose used in the study the 2,000
international units per dayraised some concerns about the
potential long-term safety ofusing that high dose.
(20:24):
Subsequent studies andmeta-analysis there were several
studies, smaller studies andmeta-analysis that have
investigated the effects ofvitamin E supplementation on
Parkinson's symptoms and diseaseprogression with various doses.
Let's look at the mixed resultsfirst.
Some studies showed modestimprovement in certain motor or
(20:46):
non-motor symptoms, while othersfound no significant benefit
compared to placebo.
No significant benefit comparedto placebo.
So, based on the studiesdietary vitamin E intake and
risk of Parkinson's disease, across-sectional study published
in Nutrition, psychology andBrain Health, and that study
(21:06):
showed some inconclusive datawith vitamin E studies.
Many of the studies werelimited by small sample sizes,
short durations andinconsistencies in the vitamin E
studies.
Many of the studies werelimited by small sample sizes,
short durations andinconsistencies in the vitamin E
formulations and dosages thatwere used.
So it makes it hard to drawconclusions on the effectiveness
of vitamin E in those studies.
(21:26):
And then, finally, there werepotential safety concerns with
the high doses of vitamin E.
Some of the research has raisedconcerns about the potential
risk of long-termsupplementation with very high
doses of vitamin E, including anincreased risk of hemorrhagic
stroke and potentially prostatecancer in men, although that
(21:48):
evidence for this is debated.
So this information comes fromthe article what are the Risks
of Taking Too Much Vitamin E byDr Sherilyn Davies, md.
Okay, let's look at the currentconsensus on vitamin E use in
Parkinson's.
So, based on the availableevidence, there's no current
(22:09):
consensus to use high-dosevitamin E supplementation as a
standard treatment forParkinson's.
The initial promise from theDATATOP trial did not hold up in
the long term.
Additional studies have showninconsistent results, with many
showing no significant clinicalbenefits.
And then there was the concernwith the potential long-term
(22:31):
risk associated with thehigh-dose vitamin E
supplementation, and they saythat that may warrant some
caution.
And the reason for that isbecause vitamin E is a
fat-soluble vitamin and if toomuch of it, you can store.
However, eating a diet rich invitamin E through foods
generally as part of a healthylifestyle for overall well-being
is recommended.
(22:52):
Lifestyle for overallwell-being is recommended.
So, to summarize, while thetheory behind using vitamin E to
combat oxidative stress inParkinson's is sound, the
clinical evidence to supportregular use as a supplement for
its therapeutic benefits islacking, so future research is
needed to determine if vitamin Emight play a role in managing
(23:13):
Parkinson's.
So people with Parkinson'sshould discuss their dietary and
any interest in vitamin Esupplementation with their
health care provider.
I hope you're hanging in therewith me now, because some of
this does get a little bittechnical.
And then next up is theantioxidant.
Vitamin C is the antioxidantvitamin C, and most of us are
(23:36):
all familiar with vitamin C, andwe all might have heard of it
and or taken it at some point orstill be taking it.
So what is vitamin C and whatdoes it do?
Well, vitamin D is also knownas ascorbic acid and is an
essential water-soluble vitamin,meaning that if you take too
much of it, since it'swater-soluble, you're just going
to pee it out.
Now our bodies can't producevitamin C, so we need to get it
(23:58):
from our diet, mostly fromfruits and vegetables like
citrus fruits, berries, peppersand broccoli.
And vitamin C is involved in alot of processes in our bodies,
including antioxidant activity.
Vitamin C is a potentantioxidant helping to
neutralize harmful free radicalsboth inside and outside the
(24:21):
cell.
And vitamin C helps us makecollagen, which is a protein
vital for our connective tissuesand our blood vessels, and it's
also involved in wound healing.
Vitamin C also supports variousimmune system functions.
And vitamin C helps us with theabsorption of iron from
plant-based foods.
(24:41):
Finally, vitamin C is involvedin the production of certain
neurotransmitters, includingnorepinephrine, which helps play
a key role in our body'sresponse to stress and arousal.
It helps regulate attention,focus, heart rate and blood
pressure.
Now you might remember fromthey talked about the early
sailors coming over and notgetting enough vitamin C and
(25:04):
they developed a conditioncalled scurvy and a lot of
sailors died from that.
So let's take a look at whyvitamin C might be a good
candidate theoretically forcombating oxidative stress in
Parkinson's.
Now, vitamin C's potentantioxidant properties make it a
logical candidate forpotentially helping to combat
(25:27):
oxidative stress damage inParkinson's.
The theory is, by increasingthe levels of vitamin C in the
brain and the body, it mighthelp to scavenge free radicals,
which can again damage our cellsand protect neurons and then
shield vulnerabledopamine-producing neurons from
oxidative damage.
(25:47):
All right, so let's review someof the key studies and the
findings with vitamin CScientific data on vitamin C
supplementation in Parkinson'sis the key studies and the
findings with vitamin C.
Scientific data on vitamin Csupplementation in Parkinson's
is somewhat limited and thefindings have been mixed and
inconclusive.
So let's look at what studiesare available using vitamin C
for Parkinson's.
There were some observationalstudies and these included
(26:10):
epidemiological studies thathave explored the association
between dietary intake ofvitamin C and the risk of
developing Parkinson's.
Now some of these studies havesuggested a potential inverse
relationship and association,meaning the higher the dietary
intake of vitamin C might belinked to a lower risk of the
(26:32):
disease.
However, these studies cannotprove cause and effect, so you
can't say that because you tookmore vitamin C, that you have a
reduced risk of havingParkinson's.
They only show a correlation.
Now let's look at some of theclinical trials and
interventional studies that wereconducted with vitamin C and
(26:54):
interventional studies that wereconducted with vitamin C.
Actually, there have beenrelatively few well-designed
clinical trials specificallyinvestigating the effects of
vitamin C supplementation onParkinson's disease symptoms or
progression, starting with theinconclusive, limited data.
Positive signals from smaller,older studies on combining
(27:15):
vitamin C with otherantioxidants have shown modest
or inconsistent benefits incertain aspects of Parkinson's,
such as motor function orlevodopa-induced dyskinesias.
There were some small studiesthat included small sample sizes
, lack of proper placebo control, making it difficult to isolate
(27:37):
vitamin C's impact alone.
And now let's look at some ofthe negative findings with
vitamin C.
Several studies, includinglarge prospective cohort studies
, did not find a significantassociation between vitamin C
intake and a reduced risk ofParkinson's or a slower rate of
disease progression.
All right, let's provide asummary, then, of the use of
(27:59):
vitamin C.
Currently, there is no strongscientific consensus supporting
the routine use of high-dosevitamin C as a primary treatment
or as a disease-modifying agentfor Parkinson's.
While vitamin C is an essentialnutrient with important
antioxidant properties and itplays a role in our overall
(28:20):
health, the evidence fromwell-designed clinical trials
does not convincinglydemonstrate significant benefits
in preventing or slowingdisease progression in
Parkinson's.
So again, people withParkinson's should focus on
evidence-based treatmentsprescribed by their neurologist,
along with a healthy diet.
(28:40):
So if you're consideringvitamin C supplementation, again
consult with your healthcareprovider to see if it's
appropriate for your specificneeds.
All right, now that we'veexamined antioxidants, let's
move into our next segment, onneuroprotective agents, and
let's discuss and evaluate themost commonly used commercially
available supplements in thiscategory.
(29:01):
While a definitiveneuroprotective supplement for
Parkinson's hasn't beenestablished in large clinical
trials, several commerciallyavailable supplements are
explored for their potentialslow-down or halt disease
progression by targeting the keypathways or pathological
mechanisms.
Now let's take a look at a few,and we'll lead it off again
(29:24):
with CoQ10.
Now we discussed thissupplement when we discussed
oxidative stress and we talkedabout it as an antioxidant.
Now recall it's a crucialcomponent for cellular energy
production and it's also, again,a potent antioxidant helping to
get rid of free radicals andprotecting against oxidative
(29:44):
stress.
Our next neuroprotectivesupplement we're going to talk
about is creatine, and creatineplays that role in energy
metabolism, particularly inhigh-demand tissues like your
brain.
It may also have antioxidantand neuroprotective properties
by reducing oxidative stress andpotentially inhibiting
(30:07):
mitochondrial dysfunction.
Now preclinical studies inanimal models in Parkinson's
showed some neuroprotectiveeffects, but then clinical
trials in humans withParkinson's have yielded mixed
results.
Some smaller studies suggestedpotential benefits in slowing
disease progression andimproving motor symptoms, while
(30:28):
larger trials have been lessconclusive.
Trials have been lessconclusive.
Now a large clinical trialNETPD-LS1, investigating creatin
in early untreated Parkinson'spatients, did not show a
significant slowing of clinicalprogression over five years.
So what are the outcomes?
(30:51):
Current evidence from largeclinical trials doses strongly
support creatinine as adisease-modifying agent in
Parkinson's.
Potential benefits includecreatinine have some symptomatic
benefit, but robustneuroprotective effects have not
been confirmed.
Protective effects have notbeen confirmed.
(31:16):
Potential risks Generallyconsidered safe for most people
at recommended doses.
Some people may experience mildgastrointestinal issues or
water retention, so it'simportant to talk to your doctor
before you decide to starttaking creatinine.
All right, now let's look atomega-3 fatty acids or fish oil.
How do they work?
Well, omega-3 fatty acids,particularly EPA, which is
(31:39):
acosapentanoic acid, and DHA,docosahexaenoic acid, have
anti-inflammatory andantioxidant properties.
Now, they're crucial componentsof neurocell membranes and they
may support overall brainhealth and function.
Now, in terms of research, someobservational studies have
suggested a potential linkbetween higher fish consumption
(32:03):
and lower risk for Parkinson's.
According to the study Omega-3Fatty Acids and
Neurodegenerative Diseases NewEvidence in Clinical Trials that
was published in theInternational Journal of
Molecular Sciences, clinicaltrials investigating omega-3
supplementation in individualswith Parkinson's have generally
(32:24):
shown limited or no significantimpact on motor or non-motor
symptoms or disease progression.
So current clinical trial datadoes not support omega-3 fatty
acids as a primaryneuroprotective treatment for
established Parkinson's disease.
Now, potential benefits arethat they may have benefits for
overall cardiovascular healthand brain health.
(32:46):
Any potential risks Well,they're generally safe at
recommended doses.
Higher doses may causegastrointestinal issues or
interact with blood thinningmedications.
Now moving on to vitamin D.
Vitamin D is an essentialnutrient that helps regulate
calcium and phosphate in thebody, keeping your bones, teeth
(33:08):
and muscles strong, and it playsa role in immune function and
overall well-being.
Now you can get vitamin D in afew ways.
One of the first ways issunlight.
Your skin produces vitamin Ewhen exposed to sunlight, so if
you just hop outside for just 10to 30 minutes of direct sun
exposure a few times a week, itcan help your body to produce
(33:32):
vitamin D, although you want tobe careful when you use
sunscreens as well, so you'renot getting sunburned.
Now, food sources like fattyfish, salmon, tuna, egg yolks,
cheese and fortified foods likemilk and cereal also contain
vitamin D, and emerging researchsuggests it plays a role in
(33:53):
brain health and immunemodulation.
Lower vitamin D levels arefrequently observed in
individuals with Parkinson's,and some studies suggest a link
between deficiency and diseaseseverity.
Observational studies havelinked lower vitamin D levels to
an increased risk andpotentially faster progression
(34:14):
of Parkinson's.
Now, clinical trialssupplementing vitamin D in
Parkinson's patients haveprimarily focused on improving
motor and non-motor symptoms,with inconsistent results.
Now there's limited strongevidence that vitamin D directly
impacts the underlyingneurodegenerative process.
While important for overallhealth, the current evidence
(34:39):
does not definitively establishvitamin D supplementation as a
neuroprotective agent inParkinson's.
However, maintaining adequatevitamin D levels is generally
recommended due to its otherhealth benefits.
Potential benefits mood andpotentially help with some of
(35:01):
the non-motor symptoms.
Potential risks it's generallysafe at recommended doses.
High doses can lead to toxicity, so it's important that you
talk to your doctor about anyvitamin D supplementation before
you initiate that.
All right.
To summarize neuroprotectiveagents currently there is no
(35:22):
commercially availablesupplement that has been
definitively shown to haveneuroprotective effects, and
they're not routinelyrecommended for slowing
Parkinson's disease.
Based on clinical trial, datais strong and early studies seem
to show promise, while thelarger well-controlled
(35:51):
placebo-controlled studiesshowed mostly negative or
inconclusive results in terms ofmodifying disease progression.
Now it's important to note thatresearch is ongoing, and future
studies with different dosages,formulations and combinations
in specific patient subgroupsmay help to provide more
definitive answers about whethersupplements can help slow the
progression of Parkinson's byhelping to provide
neuroprotection.
(36:13):
All right, now let's take a lookat another category of
supplements that are being usedor promoted because of their
benefit for gut health, andthese include probiotics, which
have gotten a lot of presslately, and let's start with
commonly used supplements forgut health, which include both
probiotics and prebiotics.
Okay, now, most of us haveheard the term probiotic and may
(36:37):
even have taken some, but whatare they exactly?
Well, probiotics are liveorganisms, either bacteria or
yeast, that are similar to thebeneficial organisms naturally
found in the human gut.
They're often good or friendlybacteria, and common types
include lactobacillus andbifidobacterium strains.
(36:58):
Now, these are commerciallyavailable and they come in
various forms, includingcapsules, powders and fermented
products like yogurt and kefir.
Probiotics are non-digestiblefood components, often types of
fiber that selectively stimulatethe growth or activity of
beneficial bacteria that arealready residing in our colon.
(37:20):
Now, they essentially act asfood for the good bacteria.
So some examples would includeinulin, frutiglyosaccharides and
resistant starch, and they'reavailable in powders or are
naturally occurring in foodslike onions, garlic, asparagus
and bananas.
Okay, so that begs the questionwhy would we take these
(37:44):
supplements for gut health tohelp with our Parkinson's
symptoms?
Well, recent research has shownthat emerging link between the
gut microbiome and Parkinson's.
Now, the gut microbiome refersto the complex community of
microorganisms, includingbacteria, fungi and viruses and
other microorganisms that livein our digestive tract as well
(38:07):
as the digestive tract ofanimals.
Now the gut microbiome is adiverse and dynamic ecosystem
that plays a crucial role invarious bodily functions,
including digestion, nutrientabsorption, immune system
development and even brainhealth.
Now the emerging link betweengut microbiome and Parkinson's,
which scientists call thegut-brain axis, is a rapidly
(38:31):
evolving area of research.
Now let's look at the potentiallink between gut health and
Parkinson's.
First, gastrointestinalsymptoms are often common in
Parkinson's.
Constipation is a great example.
It's very common Non-motorsymptoms that can often precede
motor symptoms in Parkinson's bymany years.
Alternate gut mobility would beanother example.
(39:05):
Pathology in the gut andalpha-synuclein is the protein
that misfolds and clumps in thebrains of people with
Parkinson's, forming Lewy bodies, and has been found in the
enteric nervous system, which isthe nervous system of the gut.
Now some researchershypothesize that alpha-synuclein
clumping might originate in thegut and then potentially spread
to the brain via the vagusnerve.
So kind of travel the highwayof the vagus nerve up to the
(39:27):
brain.
And then inflammation in thegut is another factor.
Now, believe it or not, the gutis a major site of immune
activity.
In fact, about 70% of the humanimmune system is located in the
gut.
So an imbalance in the gutmicrobiome called dysbiosis, can
lead to increased intestinalpermeability, which causes what
(39:50):
they call leaky gut and triggerssystemic and neuroinflammation,
which we talked about earlierbeing a potential cause of
Parkinson's.
Now, these are just a few ofthe factors of the gut's
protective role in the linkbetween the gut microbiome and
Parkinson's.
All right, now let's touch onthe potential of using pre and
(40:10):
probiotics in Parkinson's.
With the emerging link betweengut health and Parkinson's, the
rationale for using pre andprobiotics centers around the
idea that helping the gutmicrobiome might have beneficial
effects on Parkinson's byrestoring the gut microbiome
using probiotics, by introducingthose beneficial bacteria Now,
(40:33):
promoting the growth ofbeneficial bacteria with
prebiotics and improving the gutenvironment might indirectly
influence brain health throughthe gut-brain axis, potentially
impacting neuroinflammation andthe alpha-synuclein pathway that
we just talked about.
And then, finally, helping toalleviate GI symptoms with
(40:56):
probiotics and prebiotics.
Okay, so now that we understandthe rationale for using pre and
probiotics, let's look and seewhat the research says.
Now it's important to note thatresearch on probiotics and
prebiotics in Parkinson's isstill relatively early and many
of the studies have been smalland exploratory.
Let's look at probiotics first.
(41:17):
Now there may be some potentialfor symptom improvement.
Now there may be some potentialfor symptom improvement.
Some studies have suggested thatprobiotic supplementation might
lead to modest improvements incertain Parkinson's symptoms,
particularly non-motor symptomslike constipation, disrupted
sleep, anxiety and fatigue.
Now, according to the article,probiotics may ease non-motor
(41:39):
symptoms of Parkinson's.
From UCLA Health, the doctorsnoted that the research is
promising.
However, it has not yet madethe transition from the research
phase to the therapeutictreatment phase.
Now, each study used a uniqueblend of probiotics, none of
which is commercially available.
(42:00):
Next, some research has focusedon specific strains of
lactobacillus andBifidobacterium, with varying
results.
The data is showing the effectof probiotics are likely
strain-specific.
Now, many of the studies havebeen small, with short duration,
and have used different strainsand dosages, making it
difficult to draw potentialconclusions.
(42:24):
So what's the current consensusin the use of pre and probiotics
for Parkinson's?
Well, currently there is nostrong consensus to recommend
pre and probiotics as a primarytreatment for Parkinson's or as
a proven way to slow diseaseprogression.
So, given the strong lengthbetween gut health and
Parkinson's and the relativelysafe profile of the probiotic
(42:47):
and prebiotic supplements,they're an active area of
research.
So, for people with Parkinson'swho have GI issues, discuss the
potential use of pre andprobiotics with your neurologist
.
It may be worthwhile, may helpyou with constipation and some
other issues.
Now let's turn our attention tonavigating the supplement
(43:08):
landscape.
The allure of potentialbenefits for managing
Parkinson's symptoms can bestrong, but it's crucial that we
use caution, critical thinkingand guidance of our healthcare
professionals.
Now here's some things to thinkabout when you're considering
using supplements.
The first is individualizedapproaches.
(43:30):
Now, the way we experienceParkinson's is different.
Not everyone has the sameexperience.
Our symptoms, diseaseprogression and responses to
treatment can vary significantlyfrom person to person.
So what might be helpful forone may have no effect or a
detrimental effect on someoneelse.
So the one-size-fits-allapproach to supplements with
(43:52):
Parkinson's is unlikely to beeffective.
So any use of supplementsshould be a personalized
discussion with you and yourdoctor.
Next are the potential risks andinteractions.
Supplements are not withoutpotential risks.
They can interact withmedications and other
supplements and also someunderlying health conditions as
(44:15):
well.
Drug interactions fromsupplements can occur from
altering absorption, metabolismand excretion of prescription
medications used to manageParkinson's symptoms, and this
can lead to reduced drugefficacy or increased side
effects.
For example, certain vitaminsor minerals can interfere with
(44:37):
levodopa absorption.
Now, supplements can have sideeffects ranging from mild GI
issues to more serious adverseevents.
High doses of certain vitaminsor minerals can be toxic.
Now, another consideration isquality and purity concerns.
The supplement industry is lessregulated than the
(44:59):
pharmaceutical industry.
This can raise concerns withquality and purity of
commercially available products.
These can include variableingredient amounts, especially
with active ingredients.
The presence of contaminants,mislabeling and their
bioavailability are all otherimportant factors that you need
(45:19):
to take into consideration.
Choosing established, reputablebrands can help reduce these
concerns, though, so it'simportant to be aware of red
flags and misinformation as well.
There are a lot ofunsubstantiated claims, and
recognizing the red flags isessential.
Be aware of miracle cures orguarantees.
(45:42):
Now also testimonials.
A lot of companies will usetestimonials as a way to promote
their products.
Any anecdotal evidence can becompelling, especially when
someone is sharing theirpersonal story.
Now, this may not representevery experience, and also be
leery of when they use the termsecret formula or proprietary
(46:02):
blends.
And then, finally, look forinformation based on scientific
studies published inpeer-reviewed journals.
Be wary of claims without anysupporting evidence.
So it's crucial that you seekguidance from your healthcare
professional before you start,because they can help you manage
the supplement landscape anddetermine if they're appropriate
for you.
All right.
(46:24):
That brings us to the end ofanother important discussion,
where we delved into the sciencebehind supplements and
Parkinson's.
We've explored the theoreticalpromises of various nutrients
and supplements and the oftencomplex and sometimes
inconclusive research findingsand crucial considerations for
navigating the supplementlandscape.
(46:44):
The key takeaway for today isthat, while the idea of finding
a simple supplement to halt orreverse Parkinson's is certainly
appealing, the current researchshows the need for caution and
evidence-based approach.
Remember, what you read onlinemay not always line up with the
rigorous scientific findings,and what works for one person
(47:07):
may not work for another.
Your journey with Parkinson'sis unique and making informed
decisions is going to be key.
That's why we encourage you totake the next step in empowering
yourself with reliableinformation.
Please visit liveparkinsonscom.
It's a resource for navigatinglife with Parkinson's.
There you can subscribe to thefree monthly newsletter that's
(47:30):
packed with the latest researchand updates, practical tips and
actionable information to helpyou on your Parkinson's journey.
Or if you find value in theinformation that we share on
this podcast and want to helpcontinue bringing the in-depth
discussions, please considersupporting me.
You can visit ko-ficom slashliveparkinsons to contribute.
(47:51):
Your support helps me coversome of the costs of producing
the podcast and allows me tocontinue to provide
evidence-based insights.
Thank you for joining me today.
Remember always consult withyour neurologist or movement
disorder specialist beforestarting any supplements.
Until then, stay informed andempowered and remember you're
(48:11):
not alone in this journey.
So stay strong, stay healthyand live your best life with
Parkinson's.
Thank you so much for listeningand I hope you join me on
future podcasts.
Whoa and welcome to Live Parkinson's.
Live an Exceptional Life thepodcast where we explore real
life strategies, stories andscience to help you live your
best life with Parkinson's.
I'm Chris Kastenbader and I'vebeen walking my Parkinson's
journey for 15 years.
Today's topic is one wherewe're going to illuminate fact
from fiction and provide youwith science-backed information
(00:32):
on products getting talked abouta lot for Parkinson's, and that
is supplements.
So the title of today's episodeis Parkinson's Disease and
Supplements Benefits, risks andScientific Findings.
Now we know that living withParkinson's can be a constant
search for answers.
The internet seems to bebuzzing with claims about
supplements.
Can a pill slow downParkinson's?
(00:54):
Are you wondering if thatturmeric, coq10, or probiotic
can make a difference?
In this episode, we cut throughthe confusion and examine what
the scientific studies actuallyreveal about supplements and
Parkinson's management.
So before we jump in feet,first let's set the stage for
what we'll be discussing in thisepisode.
First, we'll lead it off withunderstanding Parkinson's and
(01:17):
the role of nutrition in helpingus manage the disease, because
this will help us understand whypeople are evaluating or taking
supplements as part of theirParkinson's medication regimen
and if they can be beneficial.
Then it's time to focus onexamining the evidence for
specific supplements and providethe science on their
effectiveness, benefits andrisks relating to Parkinson's.
(01:38):
In segment one, we'll evaluatethe antioxidant, coq10, vitamin
E and vitamin C, and then insegment two, we'll just we'll
focus on neuroprotective agentslike creatin and some of the
uric acid precursors as examples, and then in segment three,
we'll explore gut health andprobiotics.
We'll look at some of the mostcommonly used supplements in
(02:00):
this category and then, insegment four, we'll discuss some
other commonly used supplements, including vitamin D and
omega-3 fatty acids.
Then we'll roll into discussinghow to navigate the supplement
landscape, including theimportance of individualized
approaches, potential risks andinteractions.
We'll talk about quality andpurity, concerns, red flags and
(02:24):
misinformation and the criticalrole your healthcare provider
plays.
Then we'll close it out withkey takeaways and future
directions.
So if you want to understandmore about supplements, I hope
you'll join me on this podcast.
Now, before we get too deep intosupplements for Parkinson's, I
just have a brief disclaimer.
The information being providedin this episode is for
(02:46):
educational purposes only anddoes not constitute medical
advice.
It is based solely on myresearch and the available
science on supplements and theiruse in Parkinson's management.
Please consult your health careprovider for any questions or
before taking any supplements.
They'll provide you with theinformation on whether
supplements are appropriate foryou and your specific needs.
(03:09):
All right, so if you're ready,let's get going Now.
Let me ask you a non-judgmentalquestion.
Do you take any supplementsbecause you've heard it helps
you manage your Parkinson'ssymptoms?
If so, how familiar are youwith the benefits and risk of
taking the supplement, and dothey actually work?
(03:30):
Now, the reason I ask thisquestion is we're all looking
for ways to help us improve ourmotor and non-motor symptoms.
Supplements are one of the hottopics in chats and other places
on the internet, but how do weknow if the information is
accurate and reliable?
You often see terms likeclinically reviewed, clinically
(03:51):
evaluated, natural, but what dothese terms actually mean?
That's what we'll be sharing inthis episode to help you
identify fact from hype byhaving a better understanding
about the science and researchbehind the most common and
popular supplements beingrecommended for Parkinson's.
Now I think it's important tofirst understand Parkinson's and
(04:13):
the role that nutrition plays.
As we all know, parkinson's isa neurodegenerative process that
is due to the loss ofdopaminergic neurons or the
brain cells that producedopamine, and dopamine is a
neurotransmitter which isimportant in movement and motor
control.
So, as those neurons die, motorand non-motor symptoms may
(04:35):
occur.
So why are supplements beingexplored for Parkinson's?
The interest stems from theunderstanding that several key
(05:01):
cellular and molecular processesgo awry in.
Parkinson's is characterized bythe progressive loss of
dopamine-producing neurons inthe area of the brain called the
substantia nigra.
So this loss of neurons isbelieved to be significantly
driven by increased oxidativestress.
So what is oxidative stress?
(05:21):
Well, oxidative stress occurswhen there is an imbalance
between the production ofharmful free radicals, so these
are molecules that can go aroundand damage your cells and our
body's ability to neutralizethem with antioxidants.
So these free radicals candamage some of our cellular
components, like our DNA,proteins and lipids, which a lot
(05:45):
of times make up the cellmembranes, and that can lead to
the dysfunction of the neuronsin the brain and cause cell
death.
So what's the connection withsupplements to oxidative stress?
Well, many of the supplementsare explored for their
antioxidant properties.
The idea is that, by increasingthe antioxidant capacity, these
supplements might help toneutralize the free radicals and
(06:08):
reduce oxidative stress damageto neurons and potentially slow
down the neurodegenerativeprocess.
So some examples would includecoenzyme Q10, or also known as
CoQ10, vitamin E and vitamin C.
All right, the next isinflammation.
Chronic inflammation in thebrain, known as
(06:29):
neuroinflammation, is becomingincreasingly recognized as a
significant contributor to theprogression of Parkinson's.
So what's the supplementconnection?
Well, certain supplementspossess anti-inflammatory
properties.
By helping to regulate theinflammatory response in the
brain, the supplements may helpprotect neurons and alleviate
(06:50):
some Parkinson's symptoms.
So examples of supplements inthis category would include
curcumin from turmeric, omega-3fatty acids and certain
flavonoids.
Another that people look tosupplements for help with is
mitochondria dysfunction.
So if you recall from the deeprecesses of your mind from high
(07:11):
school biology class that themitochondria are the powerhouses
of the cell, so they'reresponsible for producing energy
for the cells.
Now in Parkinson's, there isevidence of mitochondrial
dysfunction in affected neurons.
So what does this mean?
Well, this impaired energyproduction can lead to cellular
(07:32):
stress and ultimately contributeto the cells dying.
So what supplements are oftenconsidered?
Some supplements areinvestigated for the potential
support of mitochondrialfunction.
For example, coenzyme Q10 playsa crucial role in the electron
transport chain within themitochondria.
(07:54):
Creatin is also explored forits powerful and potential to
enhance intercellular metabolicmetabolism intercellular
metabolic metabolism.
It's crucial to remember that,while the rationale for
exploring supplements isgrounded in the underlying
pathology of Parkinson's, thescientific evidence supporting
their efficacy is often limited,mixed or preliminary.
(08:16):
So many studies have beenconducted in cell cultures or
animal models, and the resultsdo not always translate to
humans.
Well-designed, large-scaleclinical trials in humans are
essential to definitivelydetermine the benefits and risk
of specific supplements forParkinson's.
Also because everyoneexperiences Parkinson's
(08:37):
differently, what may showpromise for one individual may
not work for somebody else.
So, while the biologicalrationale for exploring
supplements is compelling,people with Parkinson's should
always consult with theirneurologist or movement disorder
specialist before you start anynew supplement regimen.
Now, before we move into lookingat specific supplements, I
(08:59):
wanted to touch onevidence-based decision making,
because it's what we'll use toevaluate the effectiveness of
specific supplements.
So what exactly isevidence-based decision-making?
Well, evidence-baseddecision-making in healthcare
uses three components.
The first is the best availableresearch evidence.
So this involves finding,evaluating and using the most
(09:24):
relevant and rigorous scientificstudies to inform our
healthcare choices.
Second is clinical expertise.
This refers to the knowledge,skills and experience of
healthcare professionals indiagnosing and managing patient
conditions.
It involves understanding thenuances of each individual case
(09:46):
and applying research findingsappropriately.
And then the third part ispatient values and preferences.
So what this does is itacknowledges that each
individual has unique values,beliefs and preferences that
should be considered when makinghealthcare decisions.
Now, what is acceptable ordesirable for one person may not
(10:08):
be for somebody else.
So, in the context ofsupplements and Parkinson's,
evidence-based decision-makingmeans not relying solely on
anecdotal evidence, personaltestimonies or marketing claims.
Instead, it emphasizes lookingat what well-designed scientific
studies have actually foundregarding the potential benefits
(10:29):
and risks of specificsupplements for individuals with
Parkinson's.
All right, let's turn ourattention now to looking at
specific supplements that arebeing used for, and promoted for
, parkinson's, and we'll lead itoff with antioxidants, and
we'll start with coenzyme Q10.
(10:49):
That's one that most peopleheard about.
So what is CoQ10?
Well, it's a vitamin-likesubstance that plays a crucial
role in cellular energyproduction, particularly within
the mitochondria, which we justtalked about earlier.
Now, coq10 helps convert foodinto adenosine triphosphate and
(11:10):
again, if you think back to highschool biology and that may
scare a lot of people but it'sthe primary source of energy for
all our cellular functions, andit's also known as ATP.
It's also a potent antioxidant.
Antioxidants help protect cellsfrom damage from free radicals,
which are unstable moleculesthat harm cell membranes or DNA
(11:33):
in our protein.
Now we mentioned earlier thatoxidative stress is believed to
be involved with Parkinson's.
So the rationale in using CoQ10for Parkinson's is twofold.
First is its antioxidantproperties.
So by acting as an antioxidant,coq10 may help neutralize the
excess free radicals present inthe brain of people living with
(11:55):
Parkinson's.
So this could potentiallyreduce the oxidative stress
damage to dopamine producingneurons and slow down their
degeneration.
Dopamine-producing neurons andslow down their degeneration.
And that's, according to thestudy, the effect of neuronal
(12:15):
CoQ10 deficiency andmitochondrial dysfunction on
retinone-induced neurons cellmodel of Parkinson's disease.
That was published in theInternational Journal of
Molecular Sciences and that wasdefinitely a mouthful.
Now the second reason forpotential use of CoQ10 is
mitochondrial support.
Now, with evidence ofmitochondrial dysfunction in
Parkinson's, coq10's role inenergy production within the
(12:38):
mitochondria suggests that itmight help improve the cellular
energy metabolism and theaffected neurons, making them
more resilient to stress.
So the thought is that CoQ10can help keep the energy
production going and help thoseneurons survive the stress of
(12:59):
oxidation from free radicals.
Now a review of key studies andfindings on research on CoQ10
for Parkinson's has yieldedmixed and largely disappointing
results from well-designedclinical studies.
There was a study called theQE2 trial and that was an
earlier phase 2 trial and itshowed some signals of slower
(13:22):
functional decline inindividuals with early
Parkinson's who received highdoses of CoQ10, which were 600
to 1,200 milligrams a day over16 months, compared to placebo.
So the results of this studygenerated initial optimism that
this supplement could bebeneficial.
Now some open-label studies insmaller trials Now open-label
(13:45):
refers to studies thatparticipants know what
medication that they're going tobe taking and those smaller
trials in the open-label studiessuggested potential benefits in
motor function and slowing thedisease progression with CoQ10
supplementation.
Now the ubiquinol study, whichwas a pilot study using the
(14:06):
reduced form of CoQ10, suggestedpotential benefits in those
wearing off effects fromlevodopa, but not in early
untreated Parkinson's.
Now, while these studies seem toshow promise, there are larger
clinical studies with negativeand inconclusive data.
So let's take a look at thesenow.
Now this data is from larger,more definitive trials the QE3
(14:32):
trial, which was a Phase IIIstudy, which was a large
multicenter Phase III trial andit was sponsored by the National
Institutes of Health, and whatit did is it tested higher doses
of CoQ10, up to 2,400milligrams a day in individuals
with early Parkinson's diseaseover a 16-month period, and the
(14:55):
study was actually haltedprematurely because it showed no
clinical benefit in slowingdisease progression compared to
placebo.
And then the NET-PD trial.
Another large trial also testedhigh doses of CoQ10, 2,400
milligrams per day and found nosignificant decrease in disease
progression compared to placebo.
(15:16):
So, based on this data, let'ssummarize what the current
consensus is with using CoQ10 asa primary treatment for
Parkinson's.
So, based on the evidence fromlarge, well-controlled clinical
trials, the current consensus isthat high-dose CoQ10
supplementation has not beenshown to provide a significant
(15:37):
benefit in slowing theprogression of Parkinson's
disease or significantlyimproving its symptoms.
The promising signals fromearlier small studies were not
confirmed in the more rigorousPhase 3 trials.
While CoQ10 is generallyconsidered safe and
well-tolerated at the doses usedin these studies, the lack of
(15:59):
demonstrated clinical efficacyfor Parkinson's does not
currently support its routineuse as a disease-modifying agent
.
So, to conclude, the currentrecommendation is that
individuals with Parkinson'sshould discuss the use of CoQ10
with their neurologist.
All right, now let's look at thedata on our next antioxidant
(16:20):
supplement, vitamin E.
Now, most of us have all heardof vitamin E, but what is it?
Vitamin E is a group offat-soluble compounds, meaning
that it'll mix and dissolve intofat and therefore can be stored
in our bodies.
It's a potent antioxidant andthe most biologically active
(16:40):
form in humans isalpha-tocopherol.
So what does that mean?
Well, it means that vitamin Eis an meaning that our bodies
cannot produce it.
So we need to get in our dietsthrough such type of foods like
nuts, seeds and vegetable oilsand leafy greens, or through
supplementation by takingvitamin E supplements.
(17:03):
Now, vitamin E acts as a majorchain-breaking antioxidant in
cell membranes, which protectsthem from damage caused by what
they call lipid perioxidation.
Protects them from damagecaused by what they call lipid
perio-oxidation, which is aprocess where free radicals
attack the lipids or fats andthat causes cellular damage.
Now let's look at thetheoretical basis for combating
(17:24):
oxidative stress in PD withvitamin E.
Now, as we mentioned before,oxidative stress is a
significant factor in theprogression of Parkinson's.
Vitamin E, being a powerfulantioxidant, theoretically could
help with helping to scavengefree radicals.
It could directly neutralizereactive oxygen and other free
(17:46):
radicals, preventing them fromdamaging cell components.
Another theoretical thought isthat they can help protect the
neural membranes.
Vitamin E could help maintainthe integrity and function of
neuron cell membranes so thatthey don't become stressed and
die off.
So, given the rationale thatvitamin E has been investigated
(18:10):
as a potential neuroprotectiveagent in Parkinson's.
Let's review some of the keystudies and findings Now.
The research on vitamin Esupplementation in Parkinson's
has shown mixed results andlet's look at some of these key
studies Early observationalstudies and these were some
early epidemiological studies,and they suggested an inverse
(18:33):
association between dietaryintake of vitamin E and the risk
of developing Parkinson's.
So what does that mean?
It means that individuals withhigher dietary vitamin E intake
appeared to have a slightlylower risk.
However, these studies couldnot establish a causal
relationship, meaning that theycouldn't say that because they
(18:55):
were taking the vitamin E, thatthis caused a slightly lower
risk of Parkinson's.
Now the DATATOP or Deprinil andTocopherol Antioxidative Therapy
of Parkinson's Trial was alarge multicenter
placebo-controlled double-blindtrial that investigated the
(19:15):
effects of both Deprinil orSelegiline and high-dose
alpha-tocopherol and remember,that's one of the potent forms
of vitamin E and they used 2,000international units per day in
early untreated Parkinson'spatients.
And the findings from thisstudy showed that both Deprinil
(19:37):
and alpha-tocopherol treatmentgroups reached the primary
endpoint, or the need forlevodopa therapy, significantly
slower than the placebo group.
So this suggested a potentialdisease-modifying effect.
So this suggested a potentialdisease-modifying effect.
Now, while the initial resultswere initially promising.
(20:01):
Subsequent long-term follow-upof the DataTop cohort studies
showed that the apparent benefitof alpha-tocopherol did not
persist over many years.
Additionally, the very highdose used in the study the 2,000
international units per dayraised some concerns about the
potential long-term safety ofusing that high dose.
(20:24):
Subsequent studies andmeta-analysis there were several
studies, smaller studies andmeta-analysis that have
investigated the effects ofvitamin E supplementation on
Parkinson's symptoms and diseaseprogression with various doses.
Let's look at the mixed resultsfirst.
Some studies showed modestimprovement in certain motor or
(20:46):
non-motor symptoms, while othersfound no significant benefit
compared to placebo.
No significant benefit comparedto placebo.
So, based on the studiesdietary vitamin E intake and
risk of Parkinson's disease, across-sectional study published
in Nutrition, psychology andBrain Health, and that study
(21:06):
showed some inconclusive datawith vitamin E studies.
Many of the studies werelimited by small sample sizes,
short durations andinconsistencies in the vitamin E
studies.
Many of the studies werelimited by small sample sizes,
short durations andinconsistencies in the vitamin E
formulations and dosages thatwere used.
So it makes it hard to drawconclusions on the effectiveness
of vitamin E in those studies.
(21:26):
And then, finally, there werepotential safety concerns with
the high doses of vitamin E.
Some of the research has raisedconcerns about the potential
risk of long-termsupplementation with very high
doses of vitamin E, including anincreased risk of hemorrhagic
stroke and potentially prostatecancer in men, although that
(21:48):
evidence for this is debated.
So this information comes fromthe article what are the Risks
of Taking Too Much Vitamin E byDr Sherilyn Davies, md.
Okay, let's look at the currentconsensus on vitamin E use in
Parkinson's.
So, based on the availableevidence, there's no current
(22:09):
consensus to use high-dosevitamin E supplementation as a
standard treatment forParkinson's.
The initial promise from theDATATOP trial did not hold up in
the long term.
Additional studies have showninconsistent results, with many
showing no significant clinicalbenefits.
And then there was the concernwith the potential long-term
(22:31):
risk associated with thehigh-dose vitamin E
supplementation, and they saythat that may warrant some
caution.
And the reason for that isbecause vitamin E is a
fat-soluble vitamin and if toomuch of it, you can store.
However, eating a diet rich invitamin E through foods
generally as part of a healthylifestyle for overall well-being
is recommended.
(22:52):
Lifestyle for overallwell-being is recommended.
So, to summarize, while thetheory behind using vitamin E to
combat oxidative stress inParkinson's is sound, the
clinical evidence to supportregular use as a supplement for
its therapeutic benefits islacking, so future research is
needed to determine if vitamin Emight play a role in managing
(23:13):
Parkinson's.
So people with Parkinson'sshould discuss their dietary and
any interest in vitamin Esupplementation with their
health care provider.
I hope you're hanging in therewith me now, because some of
this does get a little bittechnical.
And then next up is theantioxidant.
Vitamin C is the antioxidantvitamin C, and most of us are
(23:36):
all familiar with vitamin C, andwe all might have heard of it
and or taken it at some point orstill be taking it.
So what is vitamin C and whatdoes it do?
Well, vitamin D is also knownas ascorbic acid and is an
essential water-soluble vitamin,meaning that if you take too
much of it, since it'swater-soluble, you're just going
to pee it out.
Now our bodies can't producevitamin C, so we need to get it
(23:58):
from our diet, mostly fromfruits and vegetables like
citrus fruits, berries, peppersand broccoli.
And vitamin C is involved in alot of processes in our bodies,
including antioxidant activity.
Vitamin C is a potentantioxidant helping to
neutralize harmful free radicalsboth inside and outside the
(24:21):
cell.
And vitamin C helps us makecollagen, which is a protein
vital for our connective tissuesand our blood vessels, and it's
also involved in wound healing.
Vitamin C also supports variousimmune system functions.
And vitamin C helps us with theabsorption of iron from
plant-based foods.
(24:41):
Finally, vitamin C is involvedin the production of certain
neurotransmitters, includingnorepinephrine, which helps play
a key role in our body'sresponse to stress and arousal.
It helps regulate attention,focus, heart rate and blood
pressure.
Now you might remember fromthey talked about the early
sailors coming over and notgetting enough vitamin C and
(25:04):
they developed a conditioncalled scurvy and a lot of
sailors died from that.
So let's take a look at whyvitamin C might be a good
candidate theoretically forcombating oxidative stress in
Parkinson's.
Now, vitamin C's potentantioxidant properties make it a
logical candidate forpotentially helping to combat
(25:27):
oxidative stress damage inParkinson's.
The theory is, by increasingthe levels of vitamin C in the
brain and the body, it mighthelp to scavenge free radicals,
which can again damage our cellsand protect neurons and then
shield vulnerabledopamine-producing neurons from
oxidative damage.
(25:47):
All right, so let's review someof the key studies and the
findings with vitamin CScientific data on vitamin C
supplementation in Parkinson'sis the key studies and the
findings with vitamin C.
Scientific data on vitamin Csupplementation in Parkinson's
is somewhat limited and thefindings have been mixed and
inconclusive.
So let's look at what studiesare available using vitamin C
for Parkinson's.
There were some observationalstudies and these included
(26:10):
epidemiological studies thathave explored the association
between dietary intake ofvitamin C and the risk of
developing Parkinson's.
Now some of these studies havesuggested a potential inverse
relationship and association,meaning the higher the dietary
intake of vitamin C might belinked to a lower risk of the
(26:32):
disease.
However, these studies cannotprove cause and effect, so you
can't say that because you tookmore vitamin C, that you have a
reduced risk of havingParkinson's.
They only show a correlation.
Now let's look at some of theclinical trials and
interventional studies that wereconducted with vitamin C and
(26:54):
interventional studies that wereconducted with vitamin C.
Actually, there have beenrelatively few well-designed
clinical trials specificallyinvestigating the effects of
vitamin C supplementation onParkinson's disease symptoms or
progression, starting with theinconclusive, limited data.
Positive signals from smaller,older studies on combining
(27:15):
vitamin C with otherantioxidants have shown modest
or inconsistent benefits incertain aspects of Parkinson's,
such as motor function orlevodopa-induced dyskinesias.
There were some small studiesthat included small sample sizes
, lack of proper placebo control, making it difficult to isolate
(27:37):
vitamin C's impact alone.
And now let's look at some ofthe negative findings with
vitamin C.
Several studies, includinglarge prospective cohort studies
, did not find a significantassociation between vitamin C
intake and a reduced risk ofParkinson's or a slower rate of
disease progression.
All right, let's provide asummary, then, of the use of
(27:59):
vitamin C.
Currently, there is no strongscientific consensus supporting
the routine use of high-dosevitamin C as a primary treatment
or as a disease-modifying agentfor Parkinson's.
While vitamin C is an essentialnutrient with important
antioxidant properties and itplays a role in our overall
(28:20):
health, the evidence fromwell-designed clinical trials
does not convincinglydemonstrate significant benefits
in preventing or slowingdisease progression in
Parkinson's.
So again, people withParkinson's should focus on
evidence-based treatmentsprescribed by their neurologist,
along with a healthy diet.
(28:40):
So if you're consideringvitamin C supplementation, again
consult with your healthcareprovider to see if it's
appropriate for your specificneeds.
All right, now that we'veexamined antioxidants, let's
move into our next segment, onneuroprotective agents, and
let's discuss and evaluate themost commonly used commercially
available supplements in thiscategory.
(29:01):
While a definitiveneuroprotective supplement for
Parkinson's hasn't beenestablished in large clinical
trials, several commerciallyavailable supplements are
explored for their potentialslow-down or halt disease
progression by targeting the keypathways or pathological
mechanisms.
Now let's take a look at a few,and we'll lead it off again
(29:24):
with CoQ10.
Now we discussed thissupplement when we discussed
oxidative stress and we talkedabout it as an antioxidant.
Now recall it's a crucialcomponent for cellular energy
production and it's also, again,a potent antioxidant helping to
get rid of free radicals andprotecting against oxidative
(29:44):
stress.
Our next neuroprotectivesupplement we're going to talk
about is creatine, and creatineplays that role in energy
metabolism, particularly inhigh-demand tissues like your
brain.
It may also have antioxidantand neuroprotective properties
by reducing oxidative stress andpotentially inhibiting
(30:07):
mitochondrial dysfunction.
Now preclinical studies inanimal models in Parkinson's
showed some neuroprotectiveeffects, but then clinical
trials in humans withParkinson's have yielded mixed
results.
Some smaller studies suggestedpotential benefits in slowing
disease progression andimproving motor symptoms, while
(30:28):
larger trials have been lessconclusive.
Trials have been lessconclusive.
Now a large clinical trialNETPD-LS1, investigating creatin
in early untreated Parkinson'spatients, did not show a
significant slowing of clinicalprogression over five years.
So what are the outcomes?
(30:51):
Current evidence from largeclinical trials doses strongly
support creatinine as adisease-modifying agent in
Parkinson's.
Potential benefits includecreatinine have some symptomatic
benefit, but robustneuroprotective effects have not
been confirmed.
Protective effects have notbeen confirmed.
(31:16):
Potential risks Generallyconsidered safe for most people
at recommended doses.
Some people may experience mildgastrointestinal issues or
water retention, so it'simportant to talk to your doctor
before you decide to starttaking creatinine.
All right, now let's look atomega-3 fatty acids or fish oil.
How do they work?
Well, omega-3 fatty acids,particularly EPA, which is
(31:39):
acosapentanoic acid, and DHA,docosahexaenoic acid, have
anti-inflammatory andantioxidant properties.
Now, they're crucial componentsof neurocell membranes and they
may support overall brainhealth and function.
Now, in terms of research, someobservational studies have
suggested a potential linkbetween higher fish consumption
(32:03):
and lower risk for Parkinson's.
According to the study Omega-3Fatty Acids and
Neurodegenerative Diseases NewEvidence in Clinical Trials that
was published in theInternational Journal of
Molecular Sciences, clinicaltrials investigating omega-3
supplementation in individualswith Parkinson's have generally
(32:24):
shown limited or no significantimpact on motor or non-motor
symptoms or disease progression.
So current clinical trial datadoes not support omega-3 fatty
acids as a primaryneuroprotective treatment for
established Parkinson's disease.
Now, potential benefits arethat they may have benefits for
overall cardiovascular healthand brain health.
(32:46):
Any potential risks Well,they're generally safe at
recommended doses.
Higher doses may causegastrointestinal issues or
interact with blood thinningmedications.
Now moving on to vitamin D.
Vitamin D is an essentialnutrient that helps regulate
calcium and phosphate in thebody, keeping your bones, teeth
(33:08):
and muscles strong, and it playsa role in immune function and
overall well-being.
Now you can get vitamin D in afew ways.
One of the first ways issunlight.
Your skin produces vitamin Ewhen exposed to sunlight, so if
you just hop outside for just 10to 30 minutes of direct sun
exposure a few times a week, itcan help your body to produce
(33:32):
vitamin D, although you want tobe careful when you use
sunscreens as well, so you'renot getting sunburned.
Now, food sources like fattyfish, salmon, tuna, egg yolks,
cheese and fortified foods likemilk and cereal also contain
vitamin D, and emerging researchsuggests it plays a role in
(33:53):
brain health and immunemodulation.
Lower vitamin D levels arefrequently observed in
individuals with Parkinson's,and some studies suggest a link
between deficiency and diseaseseverity.
Observational studies havelinked lower vitamin D levels to
an increased risk andpotentially faster progression
(34:14):
of Parkinson's.
Now, clinical trialssupplementing vitamin D in
Parkinson's patients haveprimarily focused on improving
motor and non-motor symptoms,with inconsistent results.
Now there's limited strongevidence that vitamin D directly
impacts the underlyingneurodegenerative process.
While important for overallhealth, the current evidence
(34:39):
does not definitively establishvitamin D supplementation as a
neuroprotective agent inParkinson's.
However, maintaining adequatevitamin D levels is generally
recommended due to its otherhealth benefits.
Potential benefits mood andpotentially help with some of
(35:01):
the non-motor symptoms.
Potential risks it's generallysafe at recommended doses.
High doses can lead to toxicity, so it's important that you
talk to your doctor about anyvitamin D supplementation before
you initiate that.
All right.
To summarize neuroprotectiveagents currently there is no
(35:22):
commercially availablesupplement that has been
definitively shown to haveneuroprotective effects, and
they're not routinelyrecommended for slowing
Parkinson's disease.
Based on clinical trial, datais strong and early studies seem
to show promise, while thelarger well-controlled
(35:51):
placebo-controlled studiesshowed mostly negative or
inconclusive results in terms ofmodifying disease progression.
Now it's important to note thatresearch is ongoing, and future
studies with different dosages,formulations and combinations
in specific patient subgroupsmay help to provide more
definitive answers about whethersupplements can help slow the
progression of Parkinson's byhelping to provide
neuroprotection.
(36:13):
All right, now let's take a lookat another category of
supplements that are being usedor promoted because of their
benefit for gut health, andthese include probiotics, which
have gotten a lot of presslately, and let's start with
commonly used supplements forgut health, which include both
probiotics and prebiotics.
Okay, now, most of us haveheard the term probiotic and may
(36:37):
even have taken some, but whatare they exactly?
Well, probiotics are liveorganisms, either bacteria or
yeast, that are similar to thebeneficial organisms naturally
found in the human gut.
They're often good or friendlybacteria, and common types
include lactobacillus andbifidobacterium strains.
(36:58):
Now, these are commerciallyavailable and they come in
various forms, includingcapsules, powders and fermented
products like yogurt and kefir.
Probiotics are non-digestiblefood components, often types of
fiber that selectively stimulatethe growth or activity of
beneficial bacteria that arealready residing in our colon.
(37:20):
Now, they essentially act asfood for the good bacteria.
So some examples would includeinulin, frutiglyosaccharides and
resistant starch, and they'reavailable in powders or are
naturally occurring in foodslike onions, garlic, asparagus
and bananas.
Okay, so that begs the questionwhy would we take these
(37:44):
supplements for gut health tohelp with our Parkinson's
symptoms?
Well, recent research has shownthat emerging link between the
gut microbiome and Parkinson's.
Now, the gut microbiome refersto the complex community of
microorganisms, includingbacteria, fungi and viruses and
other microorganisms that livein our digestive tract as well
(38:07):
as the digestive tract ofanimals.
Now the gut microbiome is adiverse and dynamic ecosystem
that plays a crucial role invarious bodily functions,
including digestion, nutrientabsorption, immune system
development and even brainhealth.
Now the emerging link betweengut microbiome and Parkinson's,
which scientists call thegut-brain axis, is a rapidly
(38:31):
evolving area of research.
Now let's look at the potentiallink between gut health and
Parkinson's.
First, gastrointestinalsymptoms are often common in
Parkinson's.
Constipation is a great example.
It's very common Non-motorsymptoms that can often precede
motor symptoms in Parkinson's bymany years.
Alternate gut mobility would beanother example.
(39:05):
Pathology in the gut andalpha-synuclein is the protein
that misfolds and clumps in thebrains of people with
Parkinson's, forming Lewy bodies, and has been found in the
enteric nervous system, which isthe nervous system of the gut.
Now some researchershypothesize that alpha-synuclein
clumping might originate in thegut and then potentially spread
to the brain via the vagusnerve.
So kind of travel the highwayof the vagus nerve up to the
(39:27):
brain.
And then inflammation in thegut is another factor.
Now, believe it or not, the gutis a major site of immune
activity.
In fact, about 70% of the humanimmune system is located in the
gut.
So an imbalance in the gutmicrobiome called dysbiosis, can
lead to increased intestinalpermeability, which causes what
(39:50):
they call leaky gut and triggerssystemic and neuroinflammation,
which we talked about earlierbeing a potential cause of
Parkinson's.
Now, these are just a few ofthe factors of the gut's
protective role in the linkbetween the gut microbiome and
Parkinson's.
All right, now let's touch onthe potential of using pre and
(40:10):
probiotics in Parkinson's.
With the emerging link betweengut health and Parkinson's, the
rationale for using pre andprobiotics centers around the
idea that helping the gutmicrobiome might have beneficial
effects on Parkinson's byrestoring the gut microbiome
using probiotics, by introducingthose beneficial bacteria Now,
(40:33):
promoting the growth ofbeneficial bacteria with
prebiotics and improving the gutenvironment might indirectly
influence brain health throughthe gut-brain axis, potentially
impacting neuroinflammation andthe alpha-synuclein pathway that
we just talked about.
And then, finally, helping toalleviate GI symptoms with
(40:56):
probiotics and prebiotics.
Okay, so now that we understandthe rationale for using pre and
probiotics, let's look and seewhat the research says.
Now it's important to note thatresearch on probiotics and
prebiotics in Parkinson's isstill relatively early and many
of the studies have been smalland exploratory.
Let's look at probiotics first.
(41:17):
Now there may be some potentialfor symptom improvement.
Now there may be some potentialfor symptom improvement.
Some studies have suggested thatprobiotic supplementation might
lead to modest improvements incertain Parkinson's symptoms,
particularly non-motor symptomslike constipation, disrupted
sleep, anxiety and fatigue.
Now, according to the article,probiotics may ease non-motor
(41:39):
symptoms of Parkinson's.
From UCLA Health, the doctorsnoted that the research is
promising.
However, it has not yet madethe transition from the research
phase to the therapeutictreatment phase.
Now, each study used a uniqueblend of probiotics, none of
which is commercially available.
(42:00):
Next, some research has focusedon specific strains of
lactobacillus andBifidobacterium, with varying
results.
The data is showing the effectof probiotics are likely
strain-specific.
Now, many of the studies havebeen small, with short duration,
and have used different strainsand dosages, making it
difficult to draw potentialconclusions.
(42:24):
So what's the current consensusin the use of pre and probiotics
for Parkinson's?
Well, currently there is nostrong consensus to recommend
pre and probiotics as a primarytreatment for Parkinson's or as
a proven way to slow diseaseprogression.
So, given the strong lengthbetween gut health and
Parkinson's and the relativelysafe profile of the probiotic
(42:47):
and prebiotic supplements,they're an active area of
research.
So, for people with Parkinson'swho have GI issues, discuss the
potential use of pre andprobiotics with your neurologist
.
It may be worthwhile, may helpyou with constipation and some
other issues.
Now let's turn our attention tonavigating the supplement
(43:08):
landscape.
The allure of potentialbenefits for managing
Parkinson's symptoms can bestrong, but it's crucial that we
use caution, critical thinkingand guidance of our healthcare
professionals.
Now here's some things to thinkabout when you're considering
using supplements.
The first is individualizedapproaches.
(43:30):
Now, the way we experienceParkinson's is different.
Not everyone has the sameexperience.
Our symptoms, diseaseprogression and responses to
treatment can vary significantlyfrom person to person.
So what might be helpful forone may have no effect or a
detrimental effect on someoneelse.
So the one-size-fits-allapproach to supplements with
(43:52):
Parkinson's is unlikely to beeffective.
So any use of supplementsshould be a personalized
discussion with you and yourdoctor.
Next are the potential risks andinteractions.
Supplements are not withoutpotential risks.
They can interact withmedications and other
supplements and also someunderlying health conditions as
(44:15):
well.
Drug interactions fromsupplements can occur from
altering absorption, metabolismand excretion of prescription
medications used to manageParkinson's symptoms, and this
can lead to reduced drugefficacy or increased side
effects.
For example, certain vitaminsor minerals can interfere with
(44:37):
levodopa absorption.
Now, supplements can have sideeffects ranging from mild GI
issues to more serious adverseevents.
High doses of certain vitaminsor minerals can be toxic.
Now, another consideration isquality and purity concerns.
The supplement industry is lessregulated than the
(44:59):
pharmaceutical industry.
This can raise concerns withquality and purity of
commercially available products.
These can include variableingredient amounts, especially
with active ingredients.
The presence of contaminants,mislabeling and their
bioavailability are all otherimportant factors that you need
(45:19):
to take into consideration.
Choosing established, reputablebrands can help reduce these
concerns, though, so it'simportant to be aware of red
flags and misinformation as well.
There are a lot ofunsubstantiated claims, and
recognizing the red flags isessential.
Be aware of miracle cures orguarantees.
(45:42):
Now also testimonials.
A lot of companies will usetestimonials as a way to promote
their products.
Any anecdotal evidence can becompelling, especially when
someone is sharing theirpersonal story.
Now, this may not representevery experience, and also be
leery of when they use the termsecret formula or proprietary
(46:02):
blends.
And then, finally, look forinformation based on scientific
studies published inpeer-reviewed journals.
Be wary of claims without anysupporting evidence.
So it's crucial that you seekguidance from your healthcare
professional before you start,because they can help you manage
the supplement landscape anddetermine if they're appropriate
for you.
All right.
(46:24):
That brings us to the end ofanother important discussion,
where we delved into the sciencebehind supplements and
Parkinson's.
We've explored the theoreticalpromises of various nutrients
and supplements and the oftencomplex and sometimes
inconclusive research findingsand crucial considerations for
navigating the supplementlandscape.
(46:44):
The key takeaway for today isthat, while the idea of finding
a simple supplement to halt orreverse Parkinson's is certainly
appealing, the current researchshows the need for caution and
evidence-based approach.
Remember, what you read onlinemay not always line up with the
rigorous scientific findings,and what works for one person
(47:07):
may not work for another.
Your journey with Parkinson'sis unique and making informed
decisions is going to be key.
That's why we encourage you totake the next step in empowering
yourself with reliableinformation.
Please visit liveparkinsonscom.
It's a resource for navigatinglife with Parkinson's.
There you can subscribe to thefree monthly newsletter that's
(47:30):
packed with the latest researchand updates, practical tips and
actionable information to helpyou on your Parkinson's journey.
Or if you find value in theinformation that we share on
this podcast and want to helpcontinue bringing the in-depth
discussions, please considersupporting me.
You can visit ko-ficom slashliveparkinsons to contribute.
(47:51):
Your support helps me coversome of the costs of producing
the podcast and allows me tocontinue to provide
evidence-based insights.
Thank you for joining me today.
Remember always consult withyour neurologist or movement
disorder specialist beforestarting any supplements.
Until then, stay informed andempowered and remember you're
(48:11):
not alone in this journey.
So stay strong, stay healthyand live your best life with
Parkinson's.
Thank you so much for listeningand I hope you join me on
future podcasts.
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