Huntington’s Disease: What to Know About Nutrition and Supplements

How Nutrition Supports People with Huntington’s Disease

When living with Huntington’s disease (HD), you may wonder if what you eat can make a difference. While there’s no one-size-fits-all “HD diet,” studies suggest that nutrition and certain dietary components may support overall brain and body health—and in some cases, even help manage symptoms.

In this blog, we’ll walk through what research has shown, what we still don’t know, and what choices might help you feel your best.

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What the Research Says

Over the past few years, fewer than 25 original studies have looked at nutrition or supplements in Huntington’s disease. Many studies have been done in animals (mice, rats, worms) or in the lab, and while these offer important clues, what works in animals may not always work the same way in people.

That said, researchers believe three key factors may contribute to brain cell damage in HD:

• Inflammation
  Oxidative stress (a kind of cellular “wear and tear”)
• Mitochondrial dysfunction (problems with how cells create energy)

Diets and supplements that target these factors—particularly by improving antioxidant activity or balancing brain chemicals like glutamate and GABA—have shown promise in lab models.

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What Foods Might Help?

While we need more human studies, the Mediterranean diet appears to offer general health benefits and is often recommended. This diet emphasizes:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds
• Olive oil and healthy fats
• Limited red meat and processed foods

In one study, people who followed the Mediterranean diet more closely had slightly better movement, cognition, and quality of life. Interestingly, higher dairy intake was linked to faster HD progression, so moderation may be key.

Foods rich in monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs)—like olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish—may also support brain health.

Other nutrients that may help include:

• Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs): Found in beans, cereals, meat, fish, and eggs—may support muscle strength.
• Vitamin D: Often low in people with HD. Ask your doctor about checking levels and supplements if needed.
• Vitamin B12 and thyroid function: Should be checked as part of overall care.

If you're especially interested in food as part of your care plan, a Registered Dietitian or a provider certified in lifestyle medicine may be helpful.

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What About Supplements?

There are many supplements promoted for brain health, but only a few have been studied in people with HD. Here's a quick rundown:

• Creatine: Safe and may support muscle strength, but didn’t slow HD progression in large trials.
• CoQ10, Vitamin E, Idebenone: No clear benefit shown in HD studies.
• Fish oil (EPA, DHA): May help overall health, but very high doses can carry risks like bleeding or heart rhythm issues.
• Cannabinoids, caffeine, glutamic acid: No benefit shown; high caffeine intake may be linked to earlier symptom onset.

It’s best to speak with your care team before starting any new supplement.

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Nutrition and Swallowing

Many people with HD experience changes in swallowing (dysphagia), even in early stages. These can lead to weight loss and increase the risk of choking or lung infections. A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) plays a key role in evaluating swallowing and making recommendations.

Some people may choose to get a feeding tube (PEG), but this is a personal decision and should be made with your care team.

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Don’t Forget Exercise!

Like nutrition, exercise is an important part of caring for your brain and body. Research shows that people with HD benefit from physical activity, including improvements in walking, balance, and mood. No need to run marathons—just moving more can help!

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What to Take Away

There’s no perfect “HD diet,” but here’s what we do know:

• Eat a balanced, calorie-rich diet—especially if you’re losing weight unintentionally.
• Consider the Mediterranean diet for brain and heart health.
• Limit dairy and caffeine, which may be linked to faster disease progression.
• Involve a speech therapist if swallowing becomes difficult.
• Stay active, even in small ways.
  Talk to your care team about supplements or dietary changes.

If possible, working with a Registered Dietitian can help tailor your nutrition to your specific needs.

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Need Support? Synapticure Can Help

At Synapticure, we support individuals living with Huntington’s disease and their caregivers. Our expert neurologists and care coordinators help develop personalized care plans that consider your nutrition, therapy needs, mental health, and more.

If you have questions about HD care, or you’re looking for a care team that understands what you’re going through, we’re here for you.