PD Supplements - Part 1

Supplements & Parkinson’s: What’s worth it + what’s (probably) not

We haven’t spent much time on supplements in this monthly newsletter and that’s been intentional. Before looking to powders or pills, it’s essential to focus on what you’re doing day-to-day like how you’re eating, moving, sleeping and managing your overall well-being.

Because the truth is - you can’t out-supplement an insufficient diet or lifestyle. With that being said, some supplements can absolutely play a supportive role. Here’s a breakdown of what might be worth your time (and what probably isn’t).

Tier 1: Worth Considering

These are safe, well-supported, and commonly recommended for people with Parkinson’s - especially alongside regular strength training and a balanced diet.

Vitamin D

Dose: 1,000–2,000 IU/day or as guided by your bloodwork/provider.

Many people with Parkinson’s are low in vitamin D, which is important for bone strength, fall prevention, immunity, and mood. A blood test will tell you if you need to supplement or not.

Omega-3s (Fish Oil)

Dose: 1,000 mg of combined EPA + DHA per day

These healthy fats support brain and heart health and may help with inflammation. Look for a high-quality supplement with both EPA and DHA. Algae oil is a good plant-based option as well.

Creatine

Dose: 3–5 grams per day, doesn’t really matter when you take it as long as you take it daily! Creatine supports strength, muscle maintenance, and cellular energy. It’s especially helpful if you’re doing resistance training - which is one of the best things you can do for PD. Creatine is safe and effective for most people.

Tier 2: Sometimes helpful - check with your provider first

These may be useful depending on your labs, symptoms, or specific goals.

Vitamin B12

Dose: Common recommendations fall between 500–1,000 mcg/day

B12 supports nerve function and energy. Some medications can lower absorption, so it’s worth testing if you’re experiencing fatigue, numbness, or cognitive issues. Supplement only if levels are low.

CoQ10

Dose: 100–300 mg/day (look for ubiquinol for better absorption)

While it didn’t show strong effects on Parkinson’s progression, CoQ10 may support energy production and antioxidant defenses. It’s safe, but not essential for everyone.

Turmeric (Curcumin)

Dose: 500–1,000 mg/day of curcumin extract with black pepper (piperine)

Curcumin may help reduce inflammation and support general health although Parkinson’s-specific evidence is limited. Choose a high-absorption formula if you want to try it.

Tier 3: Probably not worth it…

These are often overhyped, under-researched, or not a great return on investment.

“Brain Boosters” or anything that promises a miracle

Avoid anything that claims to “reverse” Parkinson’s or drastically improve brain function. These are usually unregulated, expensive, and rarely backed by science. Some can even interfere with medications so always be careful with these.

Greens Powders (AG1, Bloom, etc.)

These trendy powders market themselves as nutritional insurance, but they’re not a substitute for real fruits and vegetables. They often lack fiber, have variable nutrient quality, and can be pretty pricey. Not harmful, but also not necessary for most people.

Final Thoughts

Supplements can be a helpful addition to a well-rounded routine - but they’re not a shortcut. A solid foundation of balanced nutrition, hydration, regular movement and good sleep will always matter more than what’s in a capsule.

Lastly, this article is by no means an exhaustive list of supplements. It was actually pretty tough to condense everything into one newsletter! Other supplements like niacin, NAC, melatonin, and more could absolutely be part of the conversation. We’ll likely dive into those in a future part 2.

As always, check in with your doctor or dietitian before starting anything new, especially if you’re on medications or managing multiple conditions.