FOOD AND LEVODOPA
The fluctuations in response to levodopa experienced by some patients may be due to the timing of their meals and the type of diet, particularly the protein content. The effects of levodopa can be reduced by the amino acid methionine, and the blood levels of levodopa can be reduced by the amino acid tryptophan.
If problems occur, a change in the pattern of drug and food administration on a trial-and-error basis may be helpful. Multiple small doses of levodopa and spreading out the intake of proteins may also diminish the effects of these interactions. Diets that conform to the recommended daily allowance of protein (said to be 800 mg/kg in one report) are reported to reduce this adverse drug-food interaction.
If problems occur, a change in the pattern of drug and food administration on a trial-and-error basis may be helpful. Multiple small doses of levodopa and spreading out the intake of proteins may also diminish the effects of these interactions. Diets that conform to the recommended daily allowance of protein (said to be 800 mg/kg in one report) are reported to reduce this adverse drug-food interaction.