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Sue Maltais wrote: > > Are there particular vitamins and minerals that PWPs should take? > > Thanks, Sue Sue, I've been traveling and have probably missed some of this thread; but I'll contribute what I can. There is some controversy over whether E may be helpful in PD. It was thought that it might slow the progression of oxidative stress in the brain area affected by PD. However, studies haven't necessarily supported this. I can't offer any information regarding nutritional aspects that will slow or halt PD. What I've learned is that poor nutrition is frequent among PWP and greatly exacerbates the condition. I'm currently finishing up a study on nutrition and PD and I have found that few participants get sufficient calcium or vitamin D. Many are losing weight, even though their energy intake appears to be adequate. Almost no one gets enough vit E in the diet. And mild dehydration is common. If your father cannot take vit E in pill form, I'd encourage him to get more in his diet. Unless my patients are allergic to nuts, I encourage them to buy 1/4 lb each of Brazil nuts, walnuts, filberts, almonds, and pecans, mix them together and store them in the refrigerator, and eat 2 tablespoons daily. That's about 1/2 ounce. Nuts are rich in natural tocopherols (vit E in all its forms), as well as a staggering array of vital trace minerals. Roasting, unfortunately, destroys much of the vit E, therefore, I recommend use of raw nuts. This mixture will contain a small amount of protein, and some of my patients are affected by protein. For these, I recommend they have a glass of cranberry juice with the nuts. The high amount of carbohydrate in the juice will increase the ratio of carbohydrate to protein, giving less interference with Sinemet. Best regards, Kathrynne -- Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD Editor-in-Chief, "Spotlight on Food--nutrition news for people 60-plus" http://www.fortnet.org/~fivstar and NUTRITION TOPICS copy-ready handouts http://www.dietetics.com/class/fivstar/ Tel: 970-493-6532 Fax: 970-493-6538