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Protein intake in Parkinsonian patients using the EPIC food frequency questionnaire
Author(s) -
Marczewska Agnieszka,
De Notaris Roberta,
Sieri Sabina,
Barichella Michela,
Fusconi Elisabetta,
Pezzoli Gianni
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
movement disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.352
H-Index - 198
eISSN - 1531-8257
pISSN - 0885-3185
DOI - 10.1002/mds.20888
Subject(s) - levodopa , parkinson's disease , medicine , epic , reference daily intake , food intake , gastroenterology , food frequency questionnaire , dietary reference intake , disease , endocrinology , pediatrics , biology , environmental health , art , ecology , literature , nutrient
Abstract The dietary habits of 45 Italian patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and their spouses were investigated using the EPIC food frequency questionnaire. Average daily energy intake was similar, but PD patients consumed significantly more vegetable proteins and carbohydrates (both +18%; P = 0.01 and P = 0.001, respectively). Daily protein intake, which interferes with levodopa absorption, was 50% higher than the recommended daily allowance (1.2 vs. 0.8 g/kg) in both PD patients and spouses and was significantly higher in patients with moderate/severe symptoms (1.27 ± 0.29 vs. 1.07 ± 0.28 g/kg; P < 0.001). In patients taking levodopa, there was a correlation between daily levodopa dosage and protein intake ( P = 0.027). Dietary habits of patients with advanced and/or fluctuating PD should always be checked, with particular reference to protein intake. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society