Vitamin D deficiency may be common among Parkinson's patients

Vitamin D deficiency may be common among Parkinson’s patients

The headline (from NutraIngredients-USA.com): “‘Intriguing’ Results Link Vitamin D and Parkinson’s: Study.”

The comment (from HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D.): Intriguing? Why aren’t they pumping big doses into these people?! I mean, it’s not like they have the common cold or something.”

When researchers at Emory University compared vitamin D levels in about 100 healthy subjects, about 100 Alzheimer’s patients, and 100 patients with Parkinson’s disease, they found significantly lower levels in the Parkinson’s group. The healthy group had the highest levels, and the Alzheimer’s levels were about midway between the two other groups.

Well over half of the Parkinson’s subjects were D deficient.

The lead author of the study told NutraIngredients-USA, “We found that vitamin D insufficiency may have a unique association with Parkinson’s, which is intriguing and warrants further investigation.”

Of course, there’s no guarantee that vitamin D supplements would impact Parkinson’s symptoms, but with all we’ve learned about vitamin D benefits in recent years, it’s safe to say that an ongoing deficiency of the vitamin is potentially hazardous to your health – whether or not you happen to have Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

So while we’re waiting for further research – bring the big doses. (Provided, of course, you’ve checked with your doctor first.)

You can read about other nutrients that may benefit Parkinson’s patients in the e-Alert “Mystery in the Brain” (9/24/07).

Source:
“‘Intriguing’ Results Link Vitamin D and Parkinson’s: Study” Stephen Daniells, NutraIngredients-USA, 10/14/08, nutraingredients-usa.com