Scientists have thought for a while that our gut and brain are connected to Parkinson’s disease.
A new study found certain gut bacteria linked to low levels of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and biotin (vitamin B7), suggesting a simple treatment: B vitamins.
Adding riboflavin and biotin could help some Parkinson’s patients with gut issues, according to Nagoya University researcher Hiroshi Nishiwaki.
Over 10 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s, a disease that affects movement and memory.
Early symptoms like constipation and sleep trouble can lead to more serious issues like dementia.
Changes in gut bacteria can happen years before other symptoms, affecting the body’s B vitamin production.
A lack of B vitamins can lead to problems in the intestines, causing nerve damage and inflammation in the brain.
Taking B vitamins might help protect against these issues and reduce problems from toxins in the environment.
Individual treatments might be needed based on gut health analysis.
The study was published in a journal called npj Parkinson’s Disease.
This article was originally published in June 2024.
Vocabulary List:
- Parkinson /ˈpɑːr.kɪn.sən/ (noun): A progressive neurological disease that affects movement and can lead to cognitive impairment.
- Riboflavin /ˌraɪ.boʊˈfleɪ.vɪn/ (noun): A B vitamin that is important for energy production and cellular function.
- Biotin /ˈbaɪ.ə.tɪn/ (noun): A B vitamin essential for fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
- Inflammation /ˌɪn.fləˈmeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): A biological response to harmful stimuli characterized by redness heat swelling and pain.
- Dementia /dɪˈmɛn.ʃə/ (noun): A group of symptoms affecting memory thinking and social abilities interfering with daily life.
- Toxins /ˈtɒk.sɪnz/ (noun): Poisonous substances that can cause harm to biological systems.
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