How could diet affect Parkinson’s disease?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Diet plays a significant role in Parkinson's disease risk, and certain foods are associated with either increased risk (such as dairy and fried foods) or decreased risk (such as coffee, fresh fruits, vegetables, and adherence to a Mediterranean diet). Although research suggests that healthier dietary patterns may lower risk, cohort studies on this relationship have been inconclusive.

    The role of diet in Parkinson's disease has been studied extensively, with particular foods being associated with either increased or decreased risk. For example, dairy products have been associated with increased Parkinson's disease risk,[1] while coffee or tea consumption have been associated with decreased risk.[2][3] Another observational study suggested that increased intake of foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, wine, coconut oil, and non-fried fish were associated with reduced risk, while consuming foods such as beef, fried foods, soda, and dairy products were associated with increased risk.[4]

    Although the above research suggests that an overall healthier diet pattern may help to decrease Parkinson's disease risk, cohort studies examining the associations between healthy diet patterns and Parkinson's disease have been inconclusive.[5] However, multiple studies have noted associations between reduced Parkinson's disease risk and adherence to a Mediterranean diet.[6][5]