Parkinson’s starts in the gut

Parkinson’s disease—which affects the nervous system and our movement—could start in the gut, and can be treated by taking B vitamin supplements.

The disease starts and progresses because the gut is losing its ability to process vitamins B2 and B7, say researchers from Nagoya University in Japan.

A reduction in the bacteria in the gut that process the vitamins also affect the intestinal barrier, which stops toxins from entering the bloodstream.  When toxins do break through the gut wall, they cause the type of inflammation that’s common in Parkinson’s sufferers, the researchers say.

They analysed stool samples from Parkinson’s sufferers and noticed a decrease in the bacterial genes responsible for the synthesizing of riboflavin (B2) and biotin (B7).  Both are anti-inflammatories which can counteract the type of inflammation seen with Parkinson’s.

Both vitamins are also essential for producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and polyamines, two agents that help maintain the intestinal barrier.  Deficiencies could cause the intestinal wall to thin.

Taking B supplements could be an effective therapy for Parkinson’s, the researchers add.

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