Pharmacists Can Suggest B Vitamin Intake to Treat Parkinson Disease

Study findings from research conducted by investigators at the Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan demonstrated a link between gut microbiota and Parkinson disease (PD), finding a reduction in bacterial genes with the use of B vitamins.¹

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PD is a progressive disorder that impacts the nervous system and parts of the body that is controlled by the nerves. This occurs as neurons in the brain break down or die over time, causing a decrease in dopamine levels, resulting in irregular brain activity. Early symptoms of the disease often go unnoticed because they present milder in the first stages of development. Symptoms can include tremors, slowed movement, ridged muscles, impaired posture and balance, loss of automatic movements, speech changes, and writing changes. Study authors noted that the cause of PD is unknown; however, risk factors like age, heredity, and exposure to toxins could increase the chance of developing the disease.² Additionally, PD is reported to impact 1% to 2% of individuals 55 years and older.¹ There is no current prevention or cure for PD.²

The study authors noted that B vitamins contribute to the “metabolic processes that influence the production and functions of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and polyamines.” SCFAs and polyamines aid the cohesion of the intestinal barrier that prevents toxins to enter the blood stream, which could result in inflammation in the brain and impact neurotransmission processes.¹

"Deficiencies in polyamines and SCFAs could lead to thinning of the intestinal mucus layer, increasing intestinal permeability, both of which have been observed in PD," said study author Hiroshi Nishiwaki, in a news release. "This higher permeability exposes nerves to toxins, contributing to abnormal aggregation of alpha-synuclein, activating the immune cells in the brain, and leading to long-term inflammation."¹

The researchers conducted a metanalysis of stool samples from 94 individuals with PD and 73 controls in Japan to gain further knowledge of the relationship between microbial features of the gut and PD.^1,3 The researchers then used a shotgun sequencing (a laboratory technique that establishes the DNA sequence of an organism’s genome) to improve understanding of the microbial and genetic makeup of each sample.^1,3,4 The study authors noted that following the fecal analysis, they compared their results with previous data from studies in US, Germany, China, and Taiwan.¹

The researchers observed differences in the gut microbiota among individuals with or without PD. However, those with PD reported a decrease in bacterial genes for biosynthesis of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and biotin (vitamin B7), according to the study authors.^1,3

"Supplementation therapy targeting riboflavin and biotin holds promise as a potential therapeutic avenue for alleviating PD symptoms and slowing disease progression,” said Nishiwaki in a news release.¹

Vitamin B2 and vitamin B7 originate from food and gut microbiota, which are known to have anti-inflammatory effects. The study authors explained that the vitamins could neutralize inflammation in the brain that may impact PD.¹

"We could perform gut microbiota analysis on patients or conduct fecal metabolite analysis," Nishiwaki said in a news release. "Using these findings, we could identify individuals with specific deficiencies and administer oral riboflavin and biotin supplements to those with decreased levels, potentially creating an effective treatment."¹

References

1. Treating the gut-brain connection with B vitamins to treat Parkinson's Disease. Science Daily. News release. June 17, 2024. Accessed August 14, 2024. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240617173639.htm.

2. Parkinson's disease. Mayo Clinic. News release. April 5, 2024. Accessed August 14, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055.

3. Study suggests 2 vitamin B deficiencies may play a role in Parkinson's disease. Medical News Today. News release. June 24, 2024. Accessed August 14, 2024. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/study-suggests-2-vitamin-b-deficiencies-may-play-role-parkinsons-disease.

4. Shotgun Sequencing. National Human Genome Research Institute. News release. August 14, 2024. Accessed August 14, 2024. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Shotgun-Sequencing#:~:text=Shotgun%20sequencing%20is%20a%20laboratory,fragments%20that%20are%20sequenced%20individually.