Hi AlexJohn,
You might be interested to know that researchers in Israel found that Mannitol can inhibit the formation of alpha synuclein aggregates (clumps of protein associated with Parkinson’s) in a dish.
Given this success, they tested Mannitol in genetically engineered flies and mice that produce a lot of alpha synuclein. They found that Mannitol treated flies and mice had significantly less alpha synuclein aggregation in their brains.
These results led the scientists to suggest that “mannitol administration in combination with other drugs could be a promising new approach for treating PD and other brain-related diseases such as Alzheimer disease.”
Mannitol is widely available and is added to a wide variety of processed products.
The research supporting the beneficial effects of Mannitol in Parkinson’s is limited to just one peer-reviewed journal paper and Mannitol has not been tested in a clinical trial in people with Parkinson’s.
Consumed in excess, mannitol may cause diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and excessive gas. Mannitol has also been associated with worsening heart failure.
We also do not know what effect it may have on absorption of L-dopa and other Parkinson’s medications.
We advise that any change in treatment or taking a new supplement should be discussed with a doctor.
I hope the information above provides more clarity on the topic.
Thanks,
Reah