Timing of Parkinson’s medicines in relation to food depends on the stage of the disease and individual choice. When patients are starting to take levodopa or a dopamine agonist, they may take it with food to minimise gastrointestinal disturbance. With more advanced Parkinson’s, taking medicines before food can help maximise response.

Protein competes with levodopa (an amino acid) for absorption. Therefore, to minimise effect on control of Parkinson’s symptoms, some patients may limit protein in their diet to the evening meal, eating more carbohydrates throughout the day. As the condition progresses, patients can prolong the effects of levodopa and maximise the benefit from each dose by avoiding protein at the time of their doses.

Some specialist teams advise all new patients to take levodopa at least 30 minutes before food and only to take it with food if severe, persistent nausea develops.