Protein is essential for keeping muscle mass, strength and overall health, which is exactly what we work on in every training session. But some people with Parkinson’s notice that their levodopa doesn’t work as well after a high-protein meal. Here’s why that happens, what new research is exploring, and how to talk about it with your care team.
Why protein matters with Parkinson’s
Protein helps you maintain muscle mass, strength and overall health. For people with Parkinson’s, keeping muscle strong supports balance, mobility and independence, and it’s part of what makes exercise effective.
How protein can affect levodopa
Carbidopa/levodopa (often called C/L) is one of the most common Parkinson’s medications. When you eat protein, your body breaks it down into amino acids. Some of those amino acids use the same transport pathways as levodopa, so they can compete with it. That can reduce or delay how much medication reaches the brain.
As a result, some people notice their medication takes longer to work, or works less well, when they take it close to a high-protein meal.
Avoiding protein isn’t the answer
This doesn’t mean people with Parkinson’s should cut out protein. The goal is to find the right type, amount and timing of protein so you get its nutritional benefits without it getting in the way of your medication. That’s a conversation to have with your healthcare team.
What researchers are studying
As we shared in our September 2026 newsletter, researchers at UConn Health are testing a specially designed amino-acid and protein shake in an FDA clinical study. It’s built around amino acids that researchers found may be low in people with Parkinson’s, with the goal of supporting muscle and brain health, nutrition and metabolism. Research like this matters because it could help people get the protein they need without trading off their medication.
Questions to bring to your care team
- Keep a simple log for a week or two: when you eat, when you take your medication, and when you feel “on” or “off.” Patterns are easier to spot on paper.
- Ask your neurologist whether your meal and medication timing could be adjusted.
- Ask about a registered dietitian who works with people with Parkinson’s.
- Don’t change your medication schedule on your own. Make changes with your doctor.
How it fits with your training
Let your Neuro Exercise Specialist know when you tend to feel your best, so your sessions can line up with your “on” time. Good nutrition and regular strength training work together to help you keep the muscle you need to move with confidence.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Source: Monthly Movement Highlights, September 2026.
