Oxidative Stress and Nutritional Interventions in Parkinson's Disease
Summary
Oxidative stress arises when the generation of reactive oxygen species outpaces the capacity of endogenous antioxidant defences, leading to damage of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids in vulnerable cells. In Parkinson’s disease, oxidative stress is a central driver of dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra, contributing to the characteristic motor and non-motor features. Endogenous antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase provide a first line of defence, but their activity may decline with age or genetic susceptibility. Nutritional interventions aim to bolster redox homeostasis through the provision of exogenous antioxidants, including vitamins E and C, carotenoids, polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids. Dietary modulation may attenuate neuronal damage, reduce neuroinflammation and preserve mitochondrial function. Emerging evidence supports a role for specific nutrients in slowing disease progression, improving symptom burden and enhancing quality of life. However, variability in bioavailability, optimal dosing and long-term safety necessitates well-designed clinical trials. A holistic approach that integrates tailored dietary recommendations with standard pharmacotherapy offers promise for global public health, particularly as the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease rises in ageing populations.
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Oxidative Stress and Nutritional Interventions in Parkinson's Disease publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in oxidative stress and nutritional interventions in parkinson's disease across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Oxidative stress: imbalance between free radical generation and antioxidant defences.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen that can damage cellular components.
Antioxidant: substance that neutralises free radicals to prevent oxidative damage.
Dopaminergic neurons: nerve cells that synthesise and release the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Substantia nigra: midbrain region critical for motor control, rich in dopaminergic neurons.
Polyphenols: plant-derived compounds with diverse antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Nutraceuticals: food-derived products that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Redox homeostasis: dynamic equilibrium between oxidation and reduction reactions in biological systems.
Neuroinflammation: activation of immune pathways within the central nervous system contributing to neuronal injury.
References
- Disorders of Endogenous and Exogenous Antioxidants in Neurological Diseases. Antioxidants (2023).
- Dietary vitamin E intake and risk of Parkinson's disease: a cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Nutrition (2024).
- Parkinson Symptom Severity and Use of Nutraceuticals. Nutrients (2023).
- A Review on Natural Antioxidants for Their Role in the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. Pharmaceuticals (2023).
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