Dietary intake and olfactory function in patients with newly diagnosed Parkinson's disease: a case-control study

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate energy and nutrient intake in newly diagnosed Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and association between olfaction and nutrient density of the diet.

Design

Baseline data from a prospective cohort study.

Subjects

Eighty-seven patients and 28 age- and sex-matched controls participated in the study.

Methods

Dietary intake was assessed by using 3-day dietary records and 24-hour dietary recalls. The Brief Smell Identification Test (B-SIT) was used to test olfaction.

Results

Patients, compared with controls, had lower intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (P = 0.024) and a higher intake of carbohydrates (P = 0.027) in energy percent (E%). Lower intake of protein (E%) (P = 0.045), and a low nutrient density of folate (P = 0.022), magnesium (P = 0.012), and phosphorus (P = 0.029) were associated with lower B-SIT score in both patients and controls. PD patients had a lower B-SIT score than controls (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results indicate a higher relative contribution of energy from carbohydrates in PD patients. An association between low protein, folate, magnesium, and phosphorus density of the diet and olfaction was seen in the whole population.

Keywords:

• Anorexia
• Dysphagia
• Olfaction
• Smell
• Taste

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from The Swedish Medical Research Council, The Swedish Parkinson Disease Association's Research Foundation, The Swedish Parkinson Foundation (Svenska Parkinsonstiftelsen), The University of Umeå, Västerbotten County Council (ALF), and King Gustaf V's and Queen Victoria's foundation.