Antioxidants
(Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Grape seed
extract)
Vitamin C and
vitamin E are potent antioxidants
that may help protect against the
progression of Parkinson's
disease. Grape seed extract
contains a bioflavonoid
antioxidant, proanthocyanidins (PCO),
which may help protect against free
radical damage and enhance the
absorption percentage of vitamin C. [2]
A pilot study has shown that when
patients with early Parkinson's
disease were given high doses
of vitamins C and E, the need for
drug therapy was significantly
delayed. [3,
4]
Coenzyme Q10
(CoQ10)
Coenzyme Q10
(CoQ10) is an antioxidant that
boosts cellular energy production
in the mitochondria, the cell's
energy powerhouse. CoQ10 is often
low in Parkinson's disease
patients. [5,
6]
Studies have reported that
supplementation with CoQ10
improves symptoms and assists in slowing
the progression of the disease. [7,
8]
Vitamin B6 and
Zinc
Vitamin B6 and its
cofactor zinc, are essential for
manufacturing dopamine.
Supplementation with both vitamin B6
and zinc may stimulate dopamine
production and improve Parkinson's
disease symptoms. [9] However,
because scientific study has
reported a possible interaction
with B5 and certain Parkinson's disease drugs,
Parkinson's disease patients
should take vitamin B6 under the
supervision of a health care
professional. [10]
Amino acids
(Tyrosine and Phenylalanine)
The amino acids,
tyrosine and phenylalanine, are
essential for the synthesis of
dopamine in the brain. Studies
suggest that supplementation with
tyrosine may be beneficial for
Parkinson's disease patients. [11,
12]
Gingko biloba
Gingko biloba, a
botanical used for centuries in
herbal
medicine, has been shown
to improve circulation and
counteract age-related vascular
disorders, as well as dementia. Numerous
studies have found that
the dietary supplementation with gingko can
help protect against the effects
of brain aging, enhance cognitive
function, memory, and blood flow
to the brain. Because of
these potential benefits, gingko may be helpful
in treating Parkinson's disease. [13-16]
Nicotinamide
adenine dinucleotide (NADH)
Nicotinamide
adenine dinucleotide (NADH), found
in all living cells, boosts energy
needed for cell functions and DNA
repair. NADH increases synthesis
of dopamine and may be beneficial
for Parkinson's disease patients. One study reported that when
patients with early Parkinson's
disease were given NADH, symptoms
were improved. [17]
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
DHEA is a natural
steroid hormone produced by the
adrenal glands and helps to
maintain the healthy functioning of
the immune system. DHEA
supplementation can help protect
against the effects of brain
aging, enhance cognitive function,
mood, memory, and may be equally
effective in treating Parkinson's
disease. [18-20] DHEA is contraindicated in both
men and women with hormone-related
cancers. Parkinson's disease
patients supplementing with DHEA should be
monitored by their physician.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC)
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
(ALC) is a nutritional supplement
with similar properties to the
brain neurotransmitter,
acetylcholine. One significant
study reported that when older
rats were fed ALC, age-associated
cognitive impairment and
mitochondrial decay in the brain
was reversed. [21] ALC supplementation
may enhance
brain function and memory, and may
provide for a legitimate treatment
option for persons suffering from Parkinson's
disease. [22]
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Phosphatidylserine
(PS), an essential component of
brain cell membranes, enhances
brain cell energy metabolism.
Supplementation with PS has been
shown to
improve cognitive function and
memory, protect brain cells
against functional deterioration,
and may be effective supplement in
the treatment Parkinson's disease. [23,
24]
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