Abstract
Several prospective epidemiological studies on large cohorts have consistently reported an association between milk intake and a higher incidence of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Pesticide contamination of milk and milk’s urate-lowering effects have been put forward as risk factors to explain epidemiological data. This has led to considerable uncertainty among physicians and avoidance of dairy products by PD patients. However, neither factor stands up to the rational and detailed examination of the literature carried out in this mini-review. We suggest that changes in eating behavior related to pre-motor PD are an alternative potential explanation of correlations observed between milk intake and PD occurrence. Despite clear-cut associations between milk intake and PD incidence, there is no rational explanation for milk being a risk factor for PD. Based on current knowledge, limiting the consumption of dairy products does not seem to be a reasonable strategy in the prevention of the development and progression of PD.
Highlights
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease, characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons originating in the Substantia nigra pars compacta
We suggest that changes in eating behavior related to pre-motor PD are an alternative potential explanation of correlations observed between milk intake and PD occurrence
Due to speculation and warnings in the lay press, on the internet and from physicians, many PD patients tend to avoid dairy products. This precaution may worsen the quality of their diet, especially that of elderly patients, who are at risk of under-nutrition, loss of weight and muscle mass [3], osteoporosis [4], and hip fracture [5]
Summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease, characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons originating in the Substantia nigra pars compacta. Data from prospective epidemiological research has made the study of any link between PD and dietary factors possible One such finding, recently recapitulated in a meta-analysis [2], was a positive association between milk intake and PD risk. Due to speculation and warnings in the lay press, on the internet and from physicians, many PD patients tend to avoid dairy products This precaution may worsen the quality of their diet, especially that of elderly patients, who are at risk of under-nutrition, loss of weight and muscle mass [3], osteoporosis [4], and hip fracture [5].
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