London - An artificial sweetener commonly used in chewing gum could be used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
New research shows mannitol blocks the build-up of proteins in the brain that can affect movement and cause tremors.
Tests carried out at Tel Aviv University in Israel showed the sweetener, a type of low-calorie sugar alcohol produced naturally by fungi and algae, appears to improve movement and coordination by stopping harmful proteins from “clumping” in the brain.
Although research has so far involved only fruit flies, scientists are hopeful mannitol - which is also commonly used in many prescription medicines for flavouring - will develop into an effective new treatment for the condition.
Parkinson’s disease affects 120 000 people in the UK, and around 10 000 new cases are diagnosed every year. - Daily Mail