The Role of Vitamins in the Course of Parkinson’s Disease
The Role of Vitamins in the Course of Parkinson’s Disease
Vitamins C and E (antioxidants)
One of the key mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease is lipid peroxidation, which leads to the formation of free radicals that are toxic to nerve cells. Vitamins E и C play an important antioxidant role as they can neutralize free radicals and protect neurons from oxidative stress [Scioli MG, 2020]. The results of epidemiological studies demonstrate an inverse negative relationship between the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods and the risk of Parkinson’s disease [Erik Greb, 2021]. Such a beneficial effect may be due to the ability of vitamin E to protect against oxidative damage and inhibit cell death (apoptosis) [Seidl, 2014; Zhao, 2019]
In the study published by Essi Hantikainen in 2021, from 1997 to 2016, the authors analyzed 41,000 questionnaires and medical histories. The 36-page questionnaire allowed for identifying the influence of various lifestyle factors on the onset of Parkinson’s disease. The average follow-up time was 17.6 years. In the examined group, 465 cases of Parkinson’s disease were identified. 74.6 years was the average age at which this disease was diagnosed. Here are some data from this study:
Study participants with the highest level of vitamin intake E и C had a 38% lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to participants with the lowest level of vitamin intake
In people with overweight or obesity, the effect of vitamin E is particularly noticeable. The effect when taking vitamins E и C may be altered with obesity and coffee consumption. Obesity is associated with increased oxidative stress, which in turn is linked to low serum antioxidant levels. In people with obesity, vitamin levels are sometimes insufficient, especially fat-soluble vitamins, folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin C. On one hand, this may be related to low consumption of foods rich in antioxidants. On the other hand, these associations may result from changes in the physiology of micronutrient metabolism, as greater fat mass can lead to increased sequestration of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin E, in adipose tissue [Thomas-Valdes, 2017].
Currently, there is no information on the specific amount of vitamins E and C that is most beneficial for reducing the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
It is important to focus on diet in young and early adulthood, as Parkinson’s disease has a very long preclinical stage, and pathological changes may occur many years before the first manifestation of Parkinson’s disease.
Vitamin A in Parkinson’s disease
Vitamin A in Parkinson’s disease reduces neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, slows brain aging, and enhances neuronal plasticity [Pareek A, 2024]. One study found no association between beta-carotene (vitamin A) and the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease [Essi Hantikainen, 2021]. In a meta-analysis of 9 observational studies focused on vitamin A and carotenoids, in which a slight association was found between beta-carotene intake and the risk of Parkinson’s disease [Takeda, 2013].
Vitamins of group B in Parkinson’s disease
B vitamins play an important role in maintaining gut health and may be linked to the development of PD [Schaffner A, 2019]. Research shows that deficiencies in vitamins B2 and B7 may contribute to the weakening of the intestinal mucosal barrier, allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation of nerve cells [Alizadeh M 2023, Peterson CT 2020, Uebanso T 2020]. K.S. Hossain and co-authors emphasize that vitamins B2 and B7 play a key role in metabolic processes, the production of short-chain fatty acids and polyamines, which help maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier [Hossain K, 2022].
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Has anti-inflammatory effects and may protect brain cells. Also plays a role in improving metabolism and energy exchange [Jacob E Earp, 2023].
Vitamins B6, B9, B12
Help reduce the level of toxic homocysteine, which can damage brain cells. These vitamins are especially important for maintaining the health of the nervous system and preventing cognitive impairments [Jacob E Earp, 2023].
Vitamin B12 in Parkinson’s Disease
The use of vitamin B12 inhibits the influence of lytic enzymes, preventing the development of neurotoxic effects of free radicals (laboratory study) on neurons.
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the functioning of the nervous system and the overall condition of the body. It participates in energy production, supports the health of nerve cells, and helps synthesize DNA. In elderly people and patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), vitamin deficiency B12 occurs more frequently than in other population groups. This is related to both age-related changes and treatment characteristics, such as taking levodopa medications, which can lower the level of this important vitamin in the body.
Vitamin deficiency B12 may manifest with various symptoms such as fatigue, memory decline, numbness of the limbs, and coordination disorders. In patients with Parkinson’s disease, these symptoms may overlap with the main manifestations of the disease, making diagnosis more difficult. However, early detection and treatment of vitamin deficiency B12 can significantly improve the quality of life by preventing irreversible changes in the nervous system
One of the causes of vitamin deficiency B12 is a disruption of its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. In patients with Parkinson’s disease, this may be related to both age-related changes and infection Helicobacter pylori, which damages the stomach lining. In addition, long-term use of levodopa drugs increases homocysteine levels—a substance that negatively affects the health of nerve cells and is associated with vitamin deficiency B12 [Zalyalova, 2023 ].
Vitamin Deficiency Treatment B12 includes the intake of high-dose medications. Modern research shows that the oral form of vitamin B12 (for example, 1000 mcg per day) is as effective as injections, but more convenient to use and does not cause post-injection reactions. This is especially important for elderly patients and people with Parkinson’s disease who require long-term therapy.
For the prevention of vitamin deficiency B12 it is important to include foods rich in this substance, such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products, in the diet. Patients at risk, especially those taking levodopa or having gastrointestinal issues, should regularly check their vitamin levels B12. Early detection and timely treatment of deficiencies can help maintain nervous system health and improve overall well-being.
Currently, there are no recommendations for the prevention of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with Parkinson’s disease. However, it is important to focus on consuming foods rich in cobalamin. For high-risk patients, such as those with rapid disease progression, neuropathy, or receiving intraduodenal administration of levodopa-intestinal gel, oral intake of cyanocobalamin at a dosage of 1000 mcg/day may be a reasonable option. This approach offers an optimal benefit-risk ratio and helps prevent serious disorders in the body. Considering the need for long-term treatment, some authors recommend preferring the oral form of the drug [Zalyalova, 2023 ].
Vitamin D in Parkinson’s Disease
Vitamin D in Parkinson’s disease is also important, as its deficiency is linked to neurological disorders, including PD. Read more about vitamin D in Parkinson’s disease here
Vitamin K2 in Parkinson’s Disease
Serum level VK2 in patients in one of the studies, patients with Parkinson’s disease had lower levels than healthy individuals. Decreased levels VK2 may be associated with the onset and progression of the disease due to weakened regulation of inflammatory reactions and coagulation cascades [Yu, 2020].
In 2019, a potential protective effect of vitamin K2 against the progression of Parkinson’s disease was discovered in animals [Ramazani, 2019]. In 2021, a study on the effect of vitamin K2 was initiated [Prasuhn, 2021] in 130 people with a genetic form of Parkinson’s disease (26 carriers of a biallelic gene mutation Parkin/PINK1, 52 patients with sporadic Parkinson’s disease and 52 healthy individuals from the control group)
The Importance of the Right Doctor and the Right Treatment
It should be noted that there are still no clear dosages for the use of various vitamins in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. A diet high in vitamins, the absence of harmful habits (smoking, alcohol abuse, gluttony) contributes to reducing the risks of developing Parkinson’s disease and effective drug therapy for this condition.
A person is a complex system. Sometimes vitamin deficiency exacerbates disease symptoms, and sometimes Parkinson’s disease itself or its treatment worsens vitamin deficiency. These general tips will help you understand the essence of the problem, but if you suspect a vitamin deficiency, discuss it with your doctor. Every person is unique, with different predispositions to vitamin deficiency related to genetics, dietary habits, and gut microflora. Only a good doctor can view you as a whole system and may recommend tests for deficiency of one or more vitamins.
If there is a significant deficiency of a vitamin, it is not always safe and effective to address it by consuming large amounts of foods containing that vitamin. For example, it may not be absorbed, or you might end up with an excess of something unnecessary. Treating vitamin deficiency usually cannot be replaced by diet and foods. A doctor can help you eliminate the cause, if there is one, and quickly and safely restore the necessary levels with the help of medications in correct, safe, and effective doses.
Did you know that tremor and rigidity in Parkinson’s can be significantly reduced with ultrasound?
In addition to a healthy lifestyle, exercise, proper nutrition, and medication treatment such as Levodopa, a new treatment method has recently emerged that allows significant reduction in hand tremors and stiffness in Parkinson’s disease. The method is not experimental; it is approved worldwide, although very new. Read more about Parkinson’s treatment with ultrasound here
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