Researchers tested whether special supplements that feed good gut bacteria could help people with Parkinson’s disease. Seventy-two patients took supplements containing short-chain fatty acids (natural compounds made by gut bacteria) and a prebiotic fiber for six months while continuing their regular Parkinson’s medications. The results were encouraging: patients showed meaningful improvements in movement and tremors, and some were able to reduce their medication doses. The supplements also appeared to improve how the gut works and reduce inflammation in the body. While these findings are promising, more research is needed before these supplements become standard treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether taking supplements containing special fatty acids and fiber could improve symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease
  • Who participated: 72 adults with Parkinson’s disease who were already taking standard Parkinson’s medications
  • Key finding: All groups receiving the supplements showed meaningful improvements in movement and motor control after 6 months, and some patients were able to reduce their medication doses
  • What it means for you: If you have Parkinson’s disease, these supplements might help improve movement symptoms when used alongside your regular medications. However, talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements, as this is early-stage research and results may vary by person.

The Research Details

This was a randomized double-blind study, which is considered one of the strongest types of research. Participants were randomly assigned to receive different combinations of supplements: some got short-chain fatty acids (propionic and butyric acid), some got a prebiotic fiber called 2’-fucosyllactose, and some got both. Neither the patients nor the researchers knew who was getting what supplement until the study ended. This prevents bias from affecting the results.

Participants took their assigned supplements for 6 months while continuing their regular Parkinson’s medications. Researchers tested everyone at the start, after 3 months, and after 6 months. They measured movement symptoms, collected blood and stool samples, and tested how well the gut barrier was working. They also grew gut bacteria in the lab to see how the supplements changed them.

This research approach is important because Parkinson’s disease appears to be connected to problems with gut bacteria and inflammation in the body. By testing supplements that specifically target gut health, researchers could see if fixing the gut might help fix the brain symptoms. The double-blind design ensures the results aren’t influenced by expectations or bias.

This study has several strengths: it was randomized and double-blind, it included detailed measurements of both symptoms and biological markers, and it looked at multiple outcomes. However, the sample size of 72 people is relatively small, and the study was only 6 months long. The research was published in Scientific Reports, a reputable peer-reviewed journal. One limitation is that the study was retrospectively registered, meaning it was registered after it started, which is less ideal than registering before beginning.

What the Results Show

All groups that received supplements showed meaningful improvements in motor symptoms—the movement problems that are most noticeable in Parkinson’s disease. These improvements were clinically significant, meaning they were large enough that patients and doctors could actually notice the difference in daily life, not just tiny changes on a test.

Even more exciting, some patients were able to reduce their levodopa medication (a common Parkinson’s drug) while still maintaining or improving their symptoms. This suggests the supplements might work alongside standard medications to provide better control.

The supplements also changed the gut bacteria in positive ways. After treatment, the bacteria produced more of the beneficial compounds that help protect the gut lining and reduce inflammation throughout the body. When researchers tested the gut tissue in the lab, it showed better barrier function—meaning the gut wall was stronger and less leaky.

The effects on non-motor symptoms (like mood, sleep, and cognitive problems) were less consistent across different groups, suggesting these supplements may work better for movement problems than other Parkinson’s symptoms. The supplements also changed immune system markers in the blood, reducing inflammation and improving how immune cells function. Interestingly, the immune changes appeared to be connected to how well patients responded to the treatment.

Previous research has shown that people with Parkinson’s disease have unhealthy gut bacteria and problems with their gut barrier. This study is one of the first to test whether fixing these gut problems with supplements can actually improve Parkinson’s symptoms. The findings align with growing evidence that the gut-brain connection is important in Parkinson’s disease, supporting the idea that treating the gut might help treat the brain.

The study only lasted 6 months, so we don’t know if benefits continue longer or if they fade over time. With 72 participants split into multiple groups, each group was relatively small, which limits how confident we can be about the results. The study didn’t include a true placebo group (a group getting fake supplements), though the double-blind design helps control for this. We also don’t know how these results would apply to people with different stages of Parkinson’s or different types of symptoms.

The Bottom Line

If you have Parkinson’s disease, these findings suggest that short-chain fatty acid and prebiotic supplements may help improve movement symptoms when used with your regular medications. However, this is still early research. Before starting any new supplement, discuss it with your neurologist or doctor, as supplements can interact with medications and may not be appropriate for everyone. The evidence is promising but not yet strong enough to recommend these supplements as standard treatment.

People with Parkinson’s disease who are looking for additional ways to manage movement symptoms should pay attention to this research. This is especially relevant for those whose symptoms aren’t fully controlled by current medications. However, people with severe gut problems, certain infections, or immune system disorders should consult their doctor before trying these supplements. Pregnant women and children should also check with their doctor first.

In this study, improvements appeared within 6 months. However, individual results may vary. Some people might see benefits sooner, while others might take longer. It’s important to give any new supplement at least 2-3 months before deciding if it’s working for you, but discuss this timeline with your doctor.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your Parkinson’s motor symptoms weekly using a simple 1-10 scale for tremor, stiffness, and movement speed. Also note your medication doses and any changes your doctor makes. This helps you and your doctor see if supplements are actually helping.
  • If starting these supplements, use the app to set a daily reminder to take them at the same time each day. Log when you take them and note any changes in how you feel—better movement, less stiffness, or changes in medication needs. Share this log with your doctor at appointments.
  • Create a monthly summary in the app comparing your symptom scores, medication doses, and overall function. Take photos or videos of specific movements (like walking or writing) monthly to visually track changes. This long-term record helps you and your doctor determine if the supplements are truly helping or if other factors are affecting your symptoms.

This research is promising but preliminary. These findings should not replace your current Parkinson’s disease treatment. Always consult with your neurologist or healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, as they can interact with your medications and may not be appropriate for your specific situation. This study was conducted on 72 people for 6 months; results may vary individually and long-term effects are unknown. If you experience any adverse effects, stop the supplement and contact your doctor immediately.