Q: My husband takes Sinemet to control the symptoms of Parkinson’s. He’s read that broad beans contain a chemical similar to one of the ingredients in his medication. Should he avoid eating them?
Broad beans (also known as fava beans) do contain levodopa, one of the main drugs used in medications to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s. For some people with Parkinson’s, incorporating them into the diet could improve symptoms, but it’s possible they could interact with the levodopa in medications such as Sinemet, too. So, in the interests of consistency, it’s probably best to avoid them if his symptoms are well controlled on current medication.
If, however, broad beans are a favourite of his and something he’d like to eat regularly, then as long as his doctors know, they may be able to adjust the medication accordingly.