Food and medicine interaction
High-protein foods such as meat, poultry and dairy and levodopa (in Sinemet and Stalevo) for Parkinson's disease
EstablishedEvidence level: established. Shown in drug labeling or in controlled studies in people.
Last reviewed
What can happen
Protein can blunt or delay levodopa's effect. In a study of 9 people with Parkinson's disease, meals lowered peak levodopa levels by 29 percent and delayed absorption by 34 minutes, and high-protein meals reversed the benefit of levodopa even when it was given by infusion.
- Why it happens
- Amino acids from protein compete with levodopa for absorption from the gut and for transport into the brain.
- At ordinary food amounts
- Ordinary meals matter, especially protein-heavy ones. MedlinePlus also notes that a high-fat, high-calorie meal may delay the medicine's effect.
What to do
MedlinePlus advises talking to your doctor if you plan to change to a diet high in protein. Your prescriber, pharmacist or a dietitian can help with meal timing; do not cut protein sharply or change levodopa doses on your own.
Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without talking to the prescriber.
Common questions
Can I have high-protein foods such as meat, poultry and dairy while taking Parkinson's medicines?
MedlinePlus advises talking to your doctor if you plan to change to a diet high in protein. Your prescriber, pharmacist or a dietitian can help with meal timing; do not cut protein sharply or change levodopa doses on your own. Ordinary meals matter, especially protein-heavy ones. MedlinePlus also notes that a high-fat, high-calorie meal may delay the medicine's effect.