From the Guidelines
B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12, folate, and B6, may be beneficial for people with Parkinson's disease, as they support nerve function and help reduce homocysteine levels. The use of B vitamins in Parkinson's disease management is supported by recent guidelines, such as the ESPEN guideline on clinical nutrition in neurology 1, which recommends regular monitoring of nutritional and vitamin status, including vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin D. According to the guideline, PD patients treated with levodopa show an elevation of homocysteine, which can be reduced by administration of vitamins B12 and folate 1. Key points to consider when using B vitamins for Parkinson's disease include:
- Vitamin B12 supplementation may be helpful, with typical doses ranging from 1,000-2,000 mcg daily, either orally or as prescribed injections for those with absorption issues.
- Folate (B9) and B6 may also support neurological health, with recommended daily amounts of 400 mcg of folate and 1.3-1.7 mg of B6 for adults.
- Excessive B6 (over 100 mg daily) should be avoided as it may cause nerve damage. The ESPEN guideline also recommends regular monitoring of nutritional and vitamin status, with a strong consensus (91% agreement) for this recommendation 1. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if taking Parkinson's medications, as some interactions are possible.
From the Research
B Vitamins and Parkinson's Disease
- The relationship between B vitamins and Parkinson's disease has been explored in several studies, with a focus on vitamins B6 and B12 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to polyneuropathy and epilepsy in people living with Parkinson's disease, and may be associated with dietary habits, vitamin supplement misuse, and interactions with levodopa 2.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency has been reported to cause acute parkinsonism, and may be correlated with specific Parkinson's disease phenotypes, such as early postural instability and falls, and more rapid motor progression 3.
- A meta-analytic assessment found that Parkinson's disease patients had lower levels of vitamin B12 than healthy controls, and that higher dietary intake of vitamin B6 was associated with a decreased risk of Parkinson's disease 4.
- Dietary intake of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6 and B12, may affect the progression of Parkinson's disease, with high intake of certain vitamins and minerals correlated with reduced odds of Parkinson's disease 5.
- Lower folate levels have been associated with depression in levodopa-treated Parkinson's disease patients, while lower vitamin B12 levels have been associated with cognitive impairment 6.
Potential Benefits of B Vitamins for Parkinson's Disease
- Vitamin B6 may have a preventive effect on developing Parkinson's disease, and may be associated with a decreased risk of polyneuropathy and epilepsy 2, 4.
- Vitamin B12 supplementation may have a therapeutic effect on Parkinson's disease, and may be associated with improved cognitive function and reduced risk of specific Parkinson's disease phenotypes 3, 6.
- Adequate dietary intake of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, may have a preventive effect on developing Parkinson's disease and progression of motor decline 5.