Let's say that someone wanted to evaluate whether or not Mannitol could possibly impact PD symptoms, without waiting for 8 years of trials....what would you venture to consume in a day? A teaspoon?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mannitol
i'd be careful.
you can probably find a sugar free food containing mannitol via google and figure out how much is in it.
not sure if it actually passes BBB.

It does pass the BBB. In fact, it does such a good job scientists are interested in pairing it with drugs that do not as a transporter.

More info here:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0617122401.htm

that article does not say it crosses the BBB, just opens it.
here's an link to info stating it might cross the BBB after repeated uses but is used to relieve pressure on the brain because it doesn't cross the BBB.
http://www.anaesthesiamcq.com/FluidBook/fl8_5.php

I might be wrong, i'm not a doctor, chemist or have any medical training.

it is interesting though how the israeli researchers imply it crosses the BBB but nowhere does it say they tested it in humans.

I agree with soccertese. I think you should be very careful here before you start ingesting significant doses of mannitol. Besides any BBB issues is the fact that the research was done on fruit flies. I believe there're is some mice research also, but they were given the mannitol intravenously.

Laura is correct that mannitol is used for a number of medical conditions (surgery, diuretic, renal problems). However, it also has many undesirable side effects. You may find one of those side effects does cure PD related constipation as you're running to the restroom.

Hopefully, something good develops as this research moves forward. But be careful if you try to dose yourself now without any additional info.

I have read that watermelon, shitake mushrooms and snow pea pods have mannitol. I completely agree with Tupelo3 -- be careful. If you are running to the bathroom -- you are using too much. Same applies to sorbitol.

Thanks for the replies. I managed to procure some 'pharmaceutical grade'
Mannitol and consume 1 - 1 & 1/2 teaspoons daily. After a week, no changes of any kind, including constipation.

No one has any idea, at this time, if mannitol is neuroprotective in humans, no less what a proper dosage would be if it is. Even if it performs in humans like it did in fruit flies and mice (preventing and removing a-syn clumps) it may only slow or stop progression and not actually be curative. Therefore, it would be highly unlikely that you would notice any changes after just one week, if at all.

Good luck, keep us informed of your progress.

Gary

wow,
sure wasted my time indicating it doesn't pass the BBB.
best of luck.

In reading the research on mannitol, I don't understand how it can "open" the BBB yet not pass through once opened.