Are you living with Parkinson’s disease and looking to optimise your health, energy, and mobility? Functional nutrition can play a powerful role in supporting dopamine production, medication effectiveness, and overall well-being. As a Nutritionist in Sydney, I specialise in personalised nutrition strategies for people suffering from various chronic health conditions, combining evidence-based dietary advice, supplementation, and lifestyle guidance.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease and Its Symptoms
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Dopamine is essential for smooth movement, coordination, motivation, and mood. As dopamine levels decline, individuals with Parkinson’s commonly experience motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, balance issues, and difficulty with walking (1).
Non-motor symptoms can also be significant and include fatigue, digestive problems, depression, anxiety, constipation, sleep disturbances, and cognitive changes. As the disease progresses, these symptoms often become more pronounced because the brain continues to lose its ability to produce dopamine efficiently (1).
While medication remains the cornerstone of Parkinson’s management, exercise and nutrition are powerful lifestyle interventions that support mobility, energy, and overall quality of life (2). Understanding how food and supplements interact with Parkinson’s medications—and how to support dopamine naturally through nutrition—can make a meaningful difference in day-to-day functioning. Early intervention with nutrition and exercise can help slow symptom progression and support quality of life (3).
Why People With Parkinson’s Have Nutritional Deficiencies
Individuals with Parkinson’s disease are at a higher risk of developing nutrient deficiencies for several interconnected reasons. Understanding these factors is crucial because insufficient nutrients can worsen symptoms, reduce medication effectiveness, and compromise energy, exercise capacity, and overall health (4).
- Altered Gut Microbiome
Research shows that people with Parkinson’s often have an imbalanced gut microbiota, which affects the digestion and absorption of essential nutrients. The gut microbiome plays a central role in breaking down food, producing certain vitamins, and regulating inflammation. A disrupted microbiome can lead to:
- Reduced absorption of vitamins such as B12, folate, and biotin.
- Impaired conversion of nutrients into their active forms.
- Increased gastrointestinal inflammation, which can worsen constipation and bloating.
- Altered metabolism of medications, reducing their effectiveness (5).
- Age-Related Declines in Digestive Enzymes and Stomach Acid
As we age, the production of stomach acid and digestive enzymes naturally declines, making it more difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. This is compounded in Parkinson’s, as many patients experience gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) or slower intestinal motility. The consequences include:
- Poor protein absorption, leading to reduced amino acids for dopamine synthesis.
- Decreased absorption of vitamins such as B12 and minerals like iron and magnesium.
- Increased fatigue and weakness due to chronic undernutrition (6).
- Constipation and Slow Gastrointestinal Transit
Constipation is a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease and can significantly impact nutrient absorption. Slower gut transit time means:
- Nutrients may not be fully absorbed before food passes through the intestines.
- Medications, especially levodopa, may have delayed or reduced absorption.
- Gastrointestinal discomfort may reduce appetite, leading to lower overall nutrient intake (7).
- Dietary Limitations and Appetite Changes
People with Parkinson’s may also experience loss of appetite due to taste changes, depression, or medication side effects. Difficulty chewing or swallowing, leading to avoidance of protein-rich or fibrous foods. Reduced energy intake, which can further exacerbate nutrient deficiencies
All these factors mean that even individuals who try to eat a balanced diet may not get enough nutrients from food alone, highlighting the need for personalised nutrition strategies (6).
- Parkinson’s Medications Interact with Food
Levodopa, often combined with carbidopa or benserazide, is the most commonly prescribed medication for Parkinson’s disease because it temporarily replenishes dopamine levels (8). However, levodopa competes with amino acids from dietary protein for absorption in the small intestine and transport into the brain. This means that consuming high-protein meals too early in the day can reduce the medication’s effectiveness, potentially worsening symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement. To address this, many neurologists and nutritionists recommend eating most protein later in the day—after the most active morning and early afternoon doses—a strategy known as a “protein redistribution diet.” This approach helps the medication work more effectively while still ensuring adequate daily protein intake (9).
In addition to levodopa, people with Parkinson’s may also take other medications, including dopamine agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole), MAO-B inhibitors (selegiline, rasagiline), and COMT inhibitors (entacapone) (10). Long-term use of some Parkinson’s medications can deplete important vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins (B6, B12, folate) (11) and other nutrients depending on the medication. Deficiencies in these nutrients can worsen fatigue, cognitive function, mood, and overall neurological health.
- Brain Inflammation and Neuronal Damage
In addition to nutrient depletion and dopamine loss, chronic inflammation in the brain is a key factor in Parkinson’s progression. Dying neurons trigger microglial cells in the brain, which release inflammatory molecules like cytokines and free radicals, further damaging dopamine-producing neurons. This creates a vicious cycle of neuron death, worsening motor and non-motor symptoms (12). Targeted nutrients such as magnesium threonate, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, polyphenols, CoQ10, and B-group vitamins play a crucial role in reducing brain inflammation, supporting neuronal function, and combating oxidative stress (13). As we age—and particularly in Parkinson’s—our bodies absorb these nutrients less efficiently, making supplementation an important strategy to help protect brain health and slow disease progression.
Micronutrients Essential for Dopamine Synthesis
Dopamine is produced in the brain from the amino acid tyrosine, which can be obtained from protein-rich foods such as fish, poultry, eggs, dairy, beans, and legumes. The synthesis occurs in a multi-step process:
Steo 1: Tyrosine → L-DOPA: The enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase converts tyrosine into L-DOPA, which is the direct precursor to dopamine. This step requires iron and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) as cofactors. BH4, is a naturally occurring nutrient in the body; however, in Parkinson’s disease, levels of BH4 can be reduced due to oxidative stress, inflammation, and other factors. Lower BH4 makes it harder for the body to convert dietary protein into dopamine, contributing to the motor symptoms (like tremors and stiffness) and non-motor symptoms (like fatigue and low mood) of Parkinson’s. Supporting BH4 through nutrients such as folate, vitamin B6, and riboflavin can help the body maintain dopamine production (14, 15).
Step 2: L-DOPA → Dopamine: The enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) converts L-DOPA into dopamine. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a critical cofactor for this step. In Parkinson’s disease, AADC function is often compromised due to loss of dopamine-producing neurons, reducing the number of cells available to express AADC. Vitamin B6 deficiency, caused by poor dietary intake, impaired absorption, or interactions with medications, which limits enzyme efficiency (14, 16).
As a result, even with levodopa therapy, the conversion to dopamine may be suboptimal, contributing to fluctuations in motor symptoms (tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia) and non-motor symptoms (fatigue, low mood, cognitive difficulties).
Using supportive nutrients, including folate (B9) and vitamin B12, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, are essential for efficient dopamine synthesis—without adequate intake, the brain may struggle to produce dopamine effectively, contributing to fatigue, low mood, impaired motor control, and cognitive difficulties (16, 17, 18).
Nutrient | Role in Parkinson’s | Symptoms if Deficiency |
Tyrosine | Building block for dopamine | Fatigue, low mood, poor focus |
Vitamin B6 | Converts levodopa into dopamine | Worsened neurological symptoms |
Vitamin B12 | Nerve function, energy | Fatigue, numbness, and memory issues |
Folate (B9) | Methylation, nerve repair | Fatigue, mood changes |
Magnesium | Muscle function, nerve transmission | Muscle stiffness, anxiety |
Iron | Dopamine production enzyme cofactor | Fatigue, cognitive difficulties |
Zinc | Neurological function, immunity | Poor immune function, mood issues |
Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Brain inflammation, nerve health | Mood disturbances, cognitive decline |
When Supplementation May Be Needed
Supplementation is often recommended for individuals with Parkinson’s disease due to a combination of factors, including reduced nutrient intake, impaired absorption, age-related declines, and interactions with medications. Relying solely on blood levels of nutrients can be misleading because normal serum concentrations do not always indicate that the body is effectively utilising these nutrients at the cellular or enzymatic level. Factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, genetic variations, and impaired transport or enzyme activity can limit nutrient function even when blood levels appear adequate (3-13).
Supplementation becomes particularly important in the following scenarios:
- Confirmed nutrient deficiencies– Low blood levels of B12, B6, folate, magnesium, vitamin D, or omega-3 fatty acids.
- Reduced absorption from food– Poor digestion, slow gut motility, or microbiome imbalance can limit nutrient uptake.
- High medication load– Multiple medications may deplete or compete with essential nutrients.
- Increased physiological demands– Exercise, inflammation, or stress increases nutrient requirements.
- Age-related declines– Older adults naturally absorb fewer nutrients, making supplementation critical to ensure proper cellular function.
Final Thoughts: Nutrition + Exercise = Better Parkinson’s Management
Functional nutrition is not just about eating healthy—it’s about strategically supporting dopamine production, improving energy, and enhancing medication effectiveness. Combined with regular exercise, personalised nutrition can help people with Parkinson’s feel stronger, more independent, and healthier every day.
Take the first step towards a customised nutrition and supplement plan tailored to your Parkinson’s needs. Your consultation will include:
- Review of your medications and nutrient interactions
- Personalised nutrition plan to support dopamine synthesis
- Recommended supplements to improve energy, brain health, and overall wellbeing
- Guidance on protein timing, meal planning, and exercise-friendly nutrition
Book your consultation today and start feeling stronger, more energised, and in control of your health.
