Dietary Intake of Patients with Parkinson's Disease in Lithuania

Background: Risk of malnutrition among patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) can reach up to 60%, with prevalence rates as high as 24%. Dietary management for PD patients is a promising adjuvant therapy that may improve some motor and non-motor symptoms. However, there is limited information regarding nutrient intake and adherence to recommended dietary requirements in this population in Lithuania. Methods: In this case-control study conducted at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos (2023-2025), usual dietary intake was assessed using two non-consecutive 24 h recalls. Intake was compared with Lithuanian Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) values. Associations between nutrient intake and selected non-motor symptoms were analyzed. Results: Fifty-nine patients with PD and 54 controls were included and compared with RDI; patients with PD had lower intakes of dietary fiber (20.63 g/day), vitamin A (627.15 μgRE/day), and vitamin D (3.18 μg/day), alongside a higher energy contribution from total sugars (11.31 E%). Less than half met RDI for protein, fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) energy contribution, vitamins E and C, calcium, and zinc. Compared with controls, PD patients consumed more dietary fiber, plant protein, and total carbohydrate and had a higher carbohydrate-derived energy contribution. PD patients with depressive mood consumed fewer carbohydrate, dietary fiber, plant protein, and some vitamins and minerals compared to those without. Conclusions: Patients with PD had higher total sugar-derived energy consumption and lower dietary fiber and vitamin D intake than the RDI. There were differences in dietary intake among PD patients with and without specific non-motor functions.