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ARNE KARLSSON wrote: > My problem is that protein in the food block the L-dopa uptake from > the intestines and I have many and deep OFF-periods during the day. Levodopa absorption Oct 99 Arne, here are some things I do for the same problem: - Try to take levodopa dose when stomach is empty, along with plenty of water to ensure it reaches small intestine ahead of food. - Try to confine major protein components to last meal before bedtime, and wait a half hour or so for the stomach to empty (hopefully) before the evening medication. - When you can't avoid taking levodopa just before or just after eating, don't swallow it immediately but let it dissolve partly in your mouth. There is some absorption through the mouth lining. - (ask your doctor first): Levodopa that fails to be absorbed in the small intestine just passes through harmlessly. Therefore an extra dose occasionally when you're "off" should be helpful and not harmful. - Research is underway for delivering levodopa other than by mouth: hypodermic injection; adhesive skin patch; attached pump with permanent tube to intestine (available now). None of these sounds very attractive to me, but perhaps when the PD gets bad enough I'll change my mind. Cheers, Joe -- J. R. Bruman (818) 789-3694 3527 Cody Road Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-5013