New Study Links Gut Vitamin B Deficiency to Parkinson’s Disease

In Parkinson’s disease, a reduction in the gut bacteria of genes responsible for synthesizing the essential B vitamins B2 and B7 was found. Credit: Reiko Matsushita

Nagoya University researchers found that deficiencies in gut bacteria genes for vitamins B2 and B7 are linked to Parkinson’s disease, suggesting that B vitamin supplementation could be a potential treatment.

A study conducted by the Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan has discovered a connection between gut microbiota and Parkinson’s disease (PD). The researchers observed a decrease in gut bacteria genes responsible for synthesizing the essential B vitamins B2 and B7. Additionally, they found a link between the deficiency of these genes and reduced levels of agents that help preserve the integrity of the intestinal barrier.

This barrier prevents toxins from entering the bloodstream, which causes the inflammation seen in PD. Their findings, published in npj Parkinson’s Disease, suggest that treatment with B vitamins to address these deficiencies can be used to treat PD.