To Bruce Anderson:
Hi Bruce -
This is a repeat of my earlier posting re: protein and levodopa:
>>Subject: Dietary Protein and PD>>
>>Date: Tue, 17 Jun 1997 12:32:26 -0400
>>From: Stephan Schwartz <[log in to unmask]>
In a pamphlet entitled "Nutritional Considerations of
Parkinson's Disease," published by the National Parkinson
Foundation, 1501 N.W. 9th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33136,
the authors say there is evidence " . . . of a potential
beneficial effect of a modified protein diet . . . " for PD
patients on levodopa therapy.
In the stomach and small intestine levodopa must
compete with the amino acids in proteins for absorption into
the blood stream. The absorption of levodopa is inhibited by
the presence of proteins in the gut.
The NPF recommends a very low protein diet during the
day and consumption of 95% of a patient's daily protein with
dinner. A typical, healthy adult is expected to daily consume
about 1/3rd a gram of protein per body weight (example:
170lbs x .33 = about 56 grams of protein per day).
A low protein diet includes fresh fruits, green vegetables,
bananas, Rice Krispies, oatmeal, popcorn, spaghetti,
graham crackers, herbs and spices, butter, coffee, tea, fruit
juice and sherbet.
Stephan 52/6
