A new functional drink to help with constipation in people with Parkinson's disease

Food4PD: Validation of a Novel Functional Food Designed to Meet the Nutritional Needs of People Living with Parkinson's

Not applicable Interventional University of Ulster · NCT06697626

This study is testing a new drink made to help people with Parkinson's disease manage constipation and improve their gut health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Ulster Academic / other
Locations1 site (Coleraine, County Londonderry)
Trial IDNCT06697626 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to validate a novel functional drink designed to meet the nutritional needs of individuals living with Parkinson's disease, particularly focusing on alleviating constipation, a common non-motor symptom. The drink is enriched with chicory inulin, B-vitamins, and vitamin D, which are believed to improve gut health and overall quality of life. Over a 12-week period, participants will be monitored for changes in their nutritional status and gut health outcomes compared to a placebo group. The study will include adults diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who can provide informed consent.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who are experiencing constipation.

Not a fit: Patients living in institutional care, those with diabetes, or individuals currently taking antibiotics or certain supplements may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve gut health and quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease suffering from constipation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that dietary interventions, particularly those involving inulin, can improve constipation in individuals with Parkinson's disease, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of Parkinson Disease (PD)
* Aged ≥18 years
* Individuals with the capacity to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with PD living in institutional care or in hospital
* Drug, infection or toxin induced parkinsonism
* Individuals with diabetes
* B12 injection users
* Currently taking antibiotics
* Using supplements containing the nutrients of interest (B-vitamins, inulin, probiotics)
* Any other medical, cognitive or psychosocial issue, or co-enrolment in another study, that could interfere or disrupt adherence to the study requirements
* An allergy to any of the ingredients in the functional and/or control drinks
* Consuming a fermented food and/or probiotic yogurts on a daily basis

Where this trial is running

Coleraine, County Londonderry

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ConstipationParkinson DiseaseFibreB-vitaminsFunctional foodNutritional statusParkinson disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.