Vitamin D and Parkinson’s Disease

Vitamin D and Parkinson’s disease

Vitamin D — this is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in maintaining human health. It is primarily known for its influence on calcium and phosphorus metabolism, which ensures normal growth and development of bone tissue. However, its functions are not limited to this. Thus, vitamin D is involved in the regulation of numerous physiological processes. Recent studies indicate its involvement in dopaminergic neurotransmission, neurogenesis, and neuron development, which is particularly important for the functioning of the nervous system in Parkinson’s disease.

Is there a vitamin D deficiency in Parkinson’s disease

Authors of the Russian study found that more than 65% of patients with Parkinson’s disease have a vitamin deficiency D [1]. According to data from foreign colleagues, vitamin deficiency D was found in 55% of patients with Parkinson’s disease [2]. Currently, great attention is being paid to the role of receptors (natural sensors) for vitamin D (VDR) in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease, a genetic deviation of this receptor causes a more pronounced vitamin deficiency D in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Low Vitamin D Levels and Severity of Parkinson’s Disease

Despite the theoretical justification of the neuroprotective properties of the vitamin D, clinical studies evaluating its effectiveness in treating Parkinson’s disease are still limited. In the article « A Review of theRelationship Between Vitamin D and Parkinson Disease Symptoms» the authors analyzed the relationship between vitamin levels D and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It was noted that low levels of vitamin D in blood plasma is associated with more severe movement disorders, such as tremor, rigidity, and gait disturbance. Taking vitamin D reduced the severity of these symptoms in some patients

Slowing the Progression of Parkinson’s Disease with Vitamin D Intake

Research has also shown that maintaining vitamin levels D above 30 ng/ml helps slow the progression of movement disorders [3]. For example, one study found that men working outdoors had a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those working indoors, which may be related to increased vitamin production D under the influence of sunlight [4].  

In addition, vitamin D has antioxidant activity, which allows it to reduce oxidative stress—one of the factors contributing  neurodegeneration  in Parkinson’s disease. It has been shown that vitamin D prevents excessive calcium accumulation in  nervous  cells,  what slows down  their apoptosis (programmed  death). This is especially important for the protection of neurons in the substantia nigra (the location  in the brain, where dopamine is produced)  [5].

Can vitamin D be taken for Parkinson’s?

Recommendations for Vitamin Use D in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease may be justified in the case of a detected deficiency of this vitamin, especially in the older age group, where vitamin deficiency D is a common problem

However, for accurate dosage determination and optimal treatment plans, a specialist consultation is necessary!

Links to cited research:  

1. Novotny  D. A. et al. The Influence of Vitamin D and other indicators of phosphorus-calcium metabolism on cognitive functions and quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s disease //Neurology  neuropsychiatry, psychosomatics. – 2022. – Vol. 14. – No. 1. – pp. 38-44.

2. Pignolo A. et al. Vitamin D and Parkinson’s disease //Nutrients. – 2022. – Vol. 14. – No. 6. – P. 1220.

3. Fullard M. E., Duda J. E. A review of the relationship between vitamin D and Parkinson disease symptoms //Frontiers in neurology. – 2020. – T. 11. –  S. 454

4. Wang W., Li Y., Meng X. Vitamin D and neurodegenerative diseases //Heliyon. – 2023. – T. 9. – No.  1.

5. Rimmelzwaan L. M. et al. Systematic review of the relationship between vitamin D and Parkinson’s disease //Journal of Parkinson’s disease. – 2016. – Vol. 6. – No. 1. – P. 29-37.