A recent study by Barichella and colleagues assessed the beneficial effects of muscle-targeted nutritional support with whey protein on the functional outcomes of multidisciplinary intensive rehabilitation treatment (MIRT) in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) or parkinsonism.

A bicentric, randomized, assessor-blind controlled trial was conducted among patients with PD or parkinsonism who were undergoing a 30-day MIRT. During the study period, 150 patients were given a standard hospital diet with or without whey protein supplement enriched with leucine and vitamin D twice a day.

The primary efficacy endpoint was increase in distance walked during a 6-minute walking test (6MWT). Secondary endpoints included changes in 4-meter walking speed, Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Berg balance scale, handgrip strength, Self-assessment Parkinsons Disease Disability Scale, body weight, and skeletal muscle mass (SMM).

Nutritional support was shown to yield greater increment in the distance walked during 6MWT (mean 69.6 meters vs. no support (51.8 meters): center-adjusted mean difference, 18.1 meters) (Figure 1). Results were consistent after adjusting for changes in dopaminergic therapy and SMM: mean difference, 18.0 meters. Significant effect was seen for secondary endpoints including 4-meter walking speed, TUG, SMM, and SMM index.

Intake of a whey protein-based nutritional formula enriched with leucine and vitamin D with MIRT was thus found to enhance lower extremity function and preserve muscle mass in patients with PD or parkinsonism.

Figure 1. Mean increase in distance walked during 6MWT in whey-protein nutritional support group vs. no support group

Reference

1. Barichella M, Cereda E, Pinelli G, et al. Muscle-targeted nutritional support for rehabilitation in patients with parkinsonian syndrome. Neurology. 2019 Jul 30;93(5):e485-e496.