Diet with LPP for renal patients increases daily energy expenditure and improves motor function in Parkinsonian patients with motor fluctuations

OBJECTIVE To establish whether a diet based on the usage of low-protein products for renal patients (LPP) is associated with higher energy expenditure (EE) than a free low-protein diet (NO-LPP) by calculating 24 h EE by indirect calorimetry using an electronic armband monitor. DESIGN Randomized, cross-over, single-blind, pilot clinical trial performed comparing two different low-protein dietary regimens. SUBJECTS Forty-two days with LPP and 42 days with NO-LPP regimen in six patients with Parkinson's disease with levodopa. METHODS Monitoring patient response to two different nutritional schemes through indirect calorimetry (armband), BMI, Patient Global Improvement Scale. RESULTS Mean total EE was 1731 +/- 265 kcal/day with NO-LPP vs. 1903 +/- 265 kcal/day with LPP (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS The usage of LPP increases EE and improves motor function in PD patients to a greater extent than NO-LPP dietary regimen. Calorie intake should be increased to prevent malnutrition in the long-term.