Deficiency of 2 B Vitamins Linked to Parkinson's

The study, published in npj Parkinson's Disease, suggests that vitamin B deficiency may contribute to Parkinson's development by compromising the intestinal barrier, which typically prevents toxins from entering the bloodstream. Toxins in the bloodstream may lead to neuroinflammation, which is inflammation in the nervous system often associated with neurodegenerative diseases and other neurological conditions.

Researchers used shotgun sequencing to analyze stool samples, allowing them to identify changes in the microbial community and genetic makeup. The study found fewer genes in Parkinson's patients' gut bacteria responsible for making vitamins B2 (riboflavin) and B7 (biotin). Both have anti-inflammatory properties and may help counteract the neuroinflammation associated with Parkinson's disease.

This suggests that B vitamin supplementation could potentially relieve Parkinson's symptoms and even slow disease progression, Hiroshi Nishiwaki, the lead study author, said in a press release.

Previous research has already shown that high doses of riboflavin contribute to the recovery of some motor functions in Parkinson's patients. While there's no specific research on biotin supplementation for Parkinson's, one study found that high doses of biotin improved symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis, another neurological disorder.

Customized for Individual Microbiomes

The findings also suggest that vitamin therapy could potentially be customized based on each patient's unique microbiome profile to delay the onset of Parkinson's-associated symptoms.

"We could perform gut microbiota analysis on patients or conduct fecal metabolite analysis," Mr. Nishiwaki said in the press release." We could identify individuals with specific deficiencies and administer oral riboflavin and biotin supplements to those with decreased levels, potentially creating an effective treatment," he added.