Dietitians in the Parkinsons Disease space – Lauren Ervine (Accredited Practising Dietitian)

People living with Parkinsons Disease are a high-risk group for malnutrition and Sarcopenia as a consequence of their condition and side-effects. However, many of these patients never end up receiving preventative nutrition treatment with a Dietitian. A 2024 study by Flanagan et al. reports that whilst 60% of people living with Parkinsons are at risk of malnutrition, and 25% become malnourished, only 11% of this population receive Dietitian support (Flanagan et al. 2024). 

People living with Parkinsons disease would benefit from a Dietitian referral to reduce malnutrition and sarcopenia risk. a very relevant issue this population faces is confusion around the interaction between their Levodopa medication and protein intake. Protein impacts the absorption and effectiveness of Levodopa so patients need to separate their doses from protein-rich meals by at least 35-40 minutes to avoid this interaction (Boulden, 2021). 

However, as patients are warned of the interaction by their Dr, but not referred to a Dietitian, they can become confused and believe they need to follow a low protein diet. This miscommunication increases risk of preventable malnutrition and sarcopenia. 

People with Parkinsons Disease would also benefit from Dietitian support to help with other common complications of their condition, including: 

• Unintentional weight loss/gain
• Modifying the diet based on Speech Pathologist recommendations (texture modifications due to Dysphagia or chewing issues)
• Blood pressure changes around meal times
• Constipation and bloating 

References:

Boulden, Linley, 2021, Nutrition and Parkinsons, Parkinsons UK, London. 

Flanagan, R, Rusch, C, Lithander, F.E, Subramanian, I 2024, ‘The missing piece of the puzzle – the key role of the dietitian in the management of Parkinson’s disease, Parkinsonism and related disorders’, vol. 121, article 1, viewed 29th July 2025, <https://www.prd-journal.com/article/S1353-8020(24)00033-6/abstract>.