8 Misconceptions About Plant-Based L-Dopa Carbidopa: Clinical Insights and AtremoPlus User Experience

Misconception #1: “L-Dopa supplements might work, but it’s impossible to dose them reliably.”

❌ General response:

This concern is often justified. It is indeed very difficult to standardize an active compound like L-Dopa in a plant-based supplement, and many products on the market do not allow for reliable dosing. Moreover, the vast majority of these supplements have never been subject to preclinical or clinical studies to validate their effectiveness or safety. Under such conditions, ensuring consistent and reproducible dosing is difficult, if not impossible.

✅ Response specific to AtremoPlus:

This objection does not apply to AtremoPlus. Unlike most dietary supplements on the market, AtremoPlus is a plant-based formulation made from Vicia faba, rigorously standardized at 21.5 mg/g of L-Dopa. A dedicated measuring scoop is provided with the product to ensure precise, safe, and reproducible dosing—an essential criterion for regular use, particularly for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

The plants are cultivated in Europe, and the product is manufactured in Europe under strict quality standards (ISO 9001 and GMP). Each batch is systematically analyzed to ensure a stable composition, which is crucial for consistent efficacy and optimal safety.

This level of standardization, praised by many neurologists, allowed participants in clinical trials to progressively reduce their chemical L-Dopa doses by 25–50%, with a significant decrease in associated side effects. 

Misconception #2: “Natural L-Dopa can’t really cross the blood-brain barrier.”

❌ General response:

This is indeed true for most plant-based L-Dopa supplements. Many of them do not contain a peripheral dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor (such as Carbidopa), leading to rapid degradation of L-Dopa into dopamine in the bloodstream. Once transformed into dopamine, the molecule becomes too large to cross the blood-brain barrier. As a result: little or no effect in the brain, and an increased risk of peripheral side effects.

✅ Response specific to AtremoPlus:

Vicia faba, the base of AtremoPlus, is naturally rich in both L-Dopa and Carbidopa. This natural presence of Carbidopa in Vicia faba, confirmed by independent analyses (see link below), plays a key role: it limits peripheral degradation of L-Dopa and significantly increases its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. The result: a much higher amount of L-Dopa actually reaches the brain—where it can act in a targeted and beneficial way.

This ability to cross the blood-brain barrier effectively has been confirmed by clinical observations and EEG monitoring. For most users, the first effects are felt within 30 to 45 minutes after intake, indicating rapid bioavailability and central nervous system action.

The benefits reported go far beyond motor functions. Many users describe marked improvements in energy, focus, mood, and motivation—all indirect but consistent signs of a targeted action on brain neurotransmitters.

👉 Link to a key study on plant-based Carbidopa in Vicia faba  

Misconception #3: “L-Dopa is L-Dopa—whether it’s synthetic or plant-based, it’s the same molecule.”

❌ General response:

At the molecular level, L-Dopa (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) is indeed the same, whether it is:

• Naturally extracted from Vicia faba or other plants,

• Or synthetically produced in a lab.

But can this molecular equivalence fully explain the observations made in real-world use?

✅ Response specific to AtremoPlus:

Why is it that, for some people, the effects of synthetic L-Dopa gradually wear off (the so-called “wearing off” phenomenon), while the plant-based version from Vicia faba continues to provide stable results—often without the need to increase the dose?

Why were no side effects observed in clinical trials using this plant-based formulation across all participants?

And how is it that people who cannot tolerate synthetic L-Dopa experience no adverse effects with the plant-based version?

These differences are likely explained by a key factor: the human body does not respond to isolated molecules alone but to the entire ensemble of active compounds surrounding them. Science has long known that the co-administration of certain elements improves their absorption (e.g., magnesium with B6, iron with vitamin C, calcium with vitamin D3).

Nature seems to have found the right combinations through evolution. A plant like Vicia faba doesn’t just contain L-Dopa—it also provides a rich and balanced matrix of trace elements, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, Carbidopa, and more. These compounds may act synergistically to enhance absorption, bioavailability, and tolerance.

👉 To learn more about this topic, we invite you to read our article by clicking on this link.

Misconception #4: “If it really worked, neurologists and the media would talk about it.”

❌ General response:

This is a legitimate observation. In an ideal world, any truly effective solution would be adopted by healthcare professionals and widely reported in the media. But in reality, the path to recognition is often much more complex. Dietary supplements—even scientifically formulated ones—are typically excluded from medical prescriptions because they are not patented or backed by pharmaceutical companies with the means to fund large-scale awareness or lobbying efforts.

Moreover, the caution shown by the medical community is understandable: neurologists receive dozens of unverified product proposals each year and simply do not have the time or resources to evaluate them all. Lack of immediate recognition does not mean a lack of effectiveness. 

✅ Response specific to AtremoPlus:

AtremoPlus is a unique case. It is not just another supplement, but a rigorously developed, clinically tested, and standardized formulation that has been used successfully by an ever-growing number of users for over nine years. This seriousness is beginning to bear fruit.

A growing number of neurologists—initially skeptical—have changed their stance after observing concrete improvements in their own patients. Some now support its use, while others actively recommend it in their practice.

As for the media, the lack of coverage is often due to the absence of financial incentives: without a large communication budget or industrial sponsor, it’s difficult to stand out in a space dominated by well-funded brands.

Meanwhile, we see every day that more and more users are managing to improve their daily lives, regain well-being, and make tangible progress. So, while the media may not yet be eager to report widely on our solution (despite a few articles in health magazines and Parkinson’s organizations), we know we can count on a powerful and consistent ally: our users. Thanks to them, word of mouth continues to grow—perhaps more slowly than a national TV campaign, but likely in a more authentic and lasting way.

👉 You can also explore the testimonials page featuring just a small selection of the feedback we receive daily. 

Misconception #5: “Plant-based L-Dopa doesn’t really work—it’s just a placebo effect.”

❌ General response:

The placebo effect—and its opposite, the nocebo effect—is very real. Science has shown that a person’s expectations can influence their biological responses, even in the absence of active substances. Positive or negative beliefs alone can have measurable physiological effects.

Some people instinctively trust natural, plant-based products and are wary of synthetic ones. Others, on the contrary, view supplements as marketing-driven, ineffective, or even dubious. 

✅ Response specific to AtremoPlus:

In the case of AtremoPlus, several factors make it unlikely that the results are due to placebo alone—even though many of our users do trust nature.

First, the results observed in preclinical studies (both in vitro and in animal models) cannot be explained by placebo effects. Vicia faba extracts have shown benefits in cell cultures for neuronal survival, resistance to oxidative stress, and production of neurotrophic factors. In animal models, the motor and cognitive improvements are measurable and not influenced by belief or expectation.

Many users discover AtremoPlus with little to no expectation—some even skeptical—often after “trying everything,” including other L-Dopa supplements with no results. Yet, many report noticeable improvements, some from the very first dose, and most within the first few weeks.

Lastly, if the observed effects were purely placebo, one would typically expect them to fade over time. On the contrary, a large number of users report sustained or even improved benefits over months or years, without needing to increase the dose—suggesting a deep and durable biological mechanism beyond initial psychological factors. 

Misconception #6: “Even if it works, it’s too expensive because it’s not reimbursed.”

❌ General response:

It’s true that many beneficial therapies—such as osteopathy, naturopathy, or even medically validated devices—are not covered by public health systems, often for economic, administrative, or regulatory reasons.

The same applies to dietary supplements: even those backed by rigorous studies are rarely reimbursed. The cost thus falls on the user, which is a legitimate factor in the decision to try or not try plant-based L-Dopa/Carbidopa. 

✅ Response specific to AtremoPlus:

We have chosen to maintain premium quality without compromise.
AtremoPlus is manufactured in Europe under strict quality standards (ISO 9001, GMP) and backed by over nine years of field experience, clinical trials, and thousands of user testimonials. Its price reflects the complexity of its cultivation and manufacturing—essential to preserving its active components—as well as the precision of its standardization (21.5 mg/g of L-Dopa) and stringent quality controls that ensure safety and consistency.

This level of quality is the very condition for the observed results, and the reason we cannot lower production costs without compromising product integrity.

For many users, the perceived benefits—often rapid, long-lasting, and life-changing—make the cost-to-benefit ratio more than worthwhile.

Since AtremoPlus was launched in 2016, we have intentionally kept our prices unchanged, despite significant increases in production costs. It is our way of staying true to our mission: offering a natural, effective, and trustworthy solution that remains accessible to as many people as possible. 

Misconception #7: “Forget it—anything sold online can’t be taken seriously.” 

 ❌ General response:

This initial skepticism is understandable. Many supplements sold online make exaggerated claims, contain vague ingredients, or lack proper quality controls. In this context, it’s hard to distinguish rigorously developed products from questionable or potentially harmful ones.

Caution is important. That said, serious solutions can sometimes go unnoticed by the general public or healthcare professionals—especially if they aren’t distributed through traditional pharmacy networks. 

✅ Response specific to AtremoPlus:

AtremoPlus stands out precisely because of its scientific rigor and manufacturing under the strictest European standards (ISO 9001, GMP). It is one of the few supplements in this field to have undergone both preclinical and clinical testing, demonstrating safety (no side effects observed in participants), biomarker improvement, and efficacy.

Despite this solid foundation, some healthcare professionals remain hesitant—often due to the fact that AtremoPlus is only available online, which understandably raises questions. But the scientific data remains solid.

We regularly receive testimonials illustrating this gap. One user shared that she stopped taking AtremoPlus on her doctor’s advice, who dismissed all internet-based products. Her symptoms quickly worsened—pain returned, walking became difficult, and her mood dropped. Within days of restarting AtremoPlus, the improvements came back quickly and clearly.

We encourage everyone to be discerning—but also to consider what genuinely works for the person concerned. Listening, openness, and dialogue between users and their healthcare providers are essential—because every journey is unique, and the lived experience of the body and mind is a precious guide.

Regarding distribution: many pharmacies have expressed interest in carrying AtremoPlus. However, we cannot meet the profit margins typically required in the sector. Rather than lower our standards or raise our prices, we have chosen to sell exclusively direct-to-consumer via our website, in order to ensure product freshness, reliable customer support, and fair pricing.

For older individuals or those uncomfortable with online purchasing, our team remains fully available to assist with orders via phone or email—in a simple, human, and secure way. 

Misconception #8: “Plant-based L-Dopa doesn’t exist.”

 ❌ General response:

It’s true that most patented pharmaceutical molecules are not directly derived from plants—because plants themselves cannot be patented.

In the case of L-Dopa, the original drug patent did not cover the L-Dopa molecule itself—naturally present in plants like Vicia faba—but rather its pure synthetic form, the associated manufacturing process, and the industrial expertise and regulatory framework required to bring it to market. 

✅ Response specific to AtremoPlus:

The relationship between L-Dopa and Vicia faba is quite unique. It was from this very plant that the L-Dopa molecule was first identified and isolated in 1913 by scientist Markus Guggenheim, working at Hoffmann-La Roche in Switzerland.

It was only later, in the 1950s–1960s, that researchers like Arvid Carlsson, Oleh Hornykiewicz, and George Cotzias uncovered the therapeutic potential of L-Dopa for treating Parkinson’s disease. The pharmaceutical industry then focused on synthesizing the molecule in the lab—and synthetic L-Dopa has remained the gold standard treatment ever since.

Remarkably, the same plant that led to the discovery of L-Dopa—Vicia faba—is today the foundation of AtremoPlus. 

Conclusion

We hope this newsletter has helped clarify several common misconceptions and answer the most frequent questions we receive from users—as well as from anyone still wondering whether our 100% plant-based L-Dopa/Carbidopa is worth trying.

These questions are entirely legitimate. They reflect growing interest in natural supplements, as well as the uniqueness of AtremoPlus, which stands out due to its rigorously standardized formulation, clinical results, and the many encouraging user reports from around the world.

We want to emphasize that AtremoPlus is part of a complementary approach, aligned with a broader vision of well-being. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

For healthcare professionals who wish to explore the topic further and form a well-informed opinion about our plant-based L-Dopa/Carbidopa, a detailed scientific summary and usage recommendations can be provided upon request at: contact@atremoplus.com. In accordance with current regulations, this information is reserved exclusively for healthcare professionals.

Finally, this newsletter does not constitute medical advice. For any health-related questions, please consult your physician or healthcare team.

👉  For personalized guidance or questions regarding the use of AtremoPlus, our team is at your full disposal.

We hope these insights will help dispel persistent myths and contribute to improving the quality of life for a growing number of people seeking natural and complementary solutions. 

With care and commitment,
The AtremoPlus Team