Diet with LPP for renal patients increases daily energy expenditure and improves motor function in Parkinsonian patients with motor fluctuations

OBJECTIVE: To establish whether a diet based on the usage of low-protein products for renal patients (LPP) is associated with higher energy expenditure (EE) than a free low-protein diet (NO-LPP) by calculating 24 h EE by indirect calorimetry using an electronic armband monitor. DESIGN: Randomized, cross-over, single-blind, pilot clinical trial performed comparing two different low-protein dietary regimens. SUBJECTS: Forty-two days with LPP and 42 days with NO-LPP regimen in six patients with Parkinson's disease with levodopa. METHODS: Monitoring patient response to two different nutritional schemes through indirect calorimetry (armband), BMI, Patient Global Improvement Scale. RESULTS: Mean total EE was 1731 ± 265 kcal/day with NO-LPP vs. 1903 ± 265 kcal/day with LPP (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The usage of LPP increases EE and improves motor function in PD patients to a greater extent than NO-LPP dietary regimen. Calorie intake should be increased to prevent malnutrition in the long-term. SPONSORSHIP: Fondazione Grigioni per il Morbo di Parkinson.