Can B Vitamins and Gut Health Help in Parkinson’s? New Study Says Yes

llustration of bacteria on the colon epithelium. (Nanoclustering/Science Photo Library/Getty Images)

Introduction

For years, scientists have suspected a strong link between the gut and brain in Parkinson’s disease. Now, a new study from Nagoya University sheds more light on that connection — revealing that gut bacteria may reduce levels of essential B vitamins, potentially accelerating the disease’s progression. The findings point to a surprisingly simple potential intervention: vitamin B supplementation.

Key Findings

• Bacterial Imbalance in the Gut
  In a study of 94 Parkinson’s patients and 73 healthy individuals, researchers found that Parkinson’s was associated with changes in gut bacteria that disrupt the body’s ability to synthesize riboflavin (B2) and biotin (B7).

• B Vitamin Deficiency → SCFA & Polyamine Loss
  These vitamin deficiencies were linked to decreased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and polyamines, both vital for maintaining a strong intestinal mucus layer and protecting gut integrity.

• Weakened Gut Barrier = Brain Inflammation
  A thinner mucus layer may increase gut permeability ("leaky gut"), allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream. These can trigger the buildup of α-synuclein, a hallmark of Parkinson’s that damages brain cells.

• Global Consistency
  While gut bacteria differed across populations (Japan, China, Germany, US), the impacted metabolic pathways—particularly those related to B vitamin production—were consistent.

Implications

These results highlight a potential new pathway for treatment: identifying patients with gut-related B vitamin deficiencies and treating them with oral B2 and B7 supplements. This could offer a low-cost, low-risk intervention — especially in early stages or in patients showing gut-related symptoms like constipation.

Recommendations

• Microbiome Testing for Parkinson’s Patients
  Analyzing gut bacteria or fecal metabolites could help pinpoint individuals who might benefit from supplementation.

• Explore B Vitamin Supplementation
  In patients with confirmed deficiencies, riboflavin and biotin may support gut health, reduce inflammation, and possibly slow the progression of motor symptoms.

• Monitor Gut Health Early
  Constipation and digestive issues often appear decades before motor symptoms. Addressing gut health early may offer protective benefits.

For a detailed explanation, refer to the original article by Nishiwaki, H., et al. "Parkinson’s Gut Bacteria Link Suggests an Unexpected, Simple Treatment." ScienceAlert, May 2024 https://www.sciencealert.com/parkinsons-gut-bacteria-link-suggests-an-unexpected-simple-treatment