Can a B12 Deficiency Make Parkinson's Worse? Find Out Here!
Can a B 12 deficiency in Parkinson's worsen it? Yes. Low B12 could add to symptoms like numbness, fatigue, memory fog and it could make all symptoms worse.
It does not mean that B12 deficiency is a cause of this condition nor does it suggest that the supplement can be a solution.
Why B12 Comes Into Play?
B12 helps maintain the normal functioning of your nerves and red blood cell formation. The decrease in vitamin B12 levels is associated with symptoms like tingling in your feet, tiredness, mood swings, and difficulties in concentrating.
Now here's a trick about treatment. Levodopa, the main medication for this problem, could increase homocysteine levels and reduce B12. Toth et al. (2008) showed that levodopa treated Parkinson's patients had low B12 levels and had a higher chance of nerve damage in their limbs. Thus, a treatment meant to relieve one problem may create another one quietly. Rude!
What Does the Research Say?
There is interesting evidence, though further research is needed.
- Christine and her colleagues conducted research and found out in Movement Disorders (2018) that people with low B12 had faster progression of the movement and cognitive disorders.
- A review of B vitamins and the condition conducted by Shen et al. in Nutrients (2015) noticed the possible ties between the two and homocysteine and nerve health.
- Toth's study in 2008 (as discussed above) connects use of levodopa with the lack of vitamin B12 and neuropathy.
There are interesting adjectives: "linked" and "possible". The studies show an association, not cause and effect of B12 being bad. So please do not throw out your medicines and start buying vitamins.
B12 Low vs. B12 Fine: A Quick Comparison
Situation | What you might notice | Mood
Low B12 | Numb toes, tiredness, brain fog | Where did I put my keys... again?
Healthy B12 | Less nerve symptoms | Go adulting!
Signs That Are Worth Mentioning
- Tingling or pins and needles sensation in your hands and feet
- Unexplained tiredness that can't be solved by sleep.
- Unstable balance that gets worse
- mood changes and forgetfulness
- Sore tongue (yes, it's true!)
The blood test can determine your levels of vitamin D in a short time.
Daily Habits Which Can Be Useful
Here are a few simple Home tips for Parkinsons patients:
- Consume food items with a lot of Vitamin B12 such as eggs, dairy products and fortified grains.
- Walk around your kitchen, stretch or even dance (nobody will judge)
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule
- Keep a symptom diary to show your doctor
- Ask for B12 and homocysteine test at the regular medical visits
How Does Ayurveda Fit?
Some families use Ayurveda in addition to traditional medicine, aiming to treat the nervous system, digestion and the whole lifestyle.
Many people want to know which herbs are the best ones for the treatment of Parkinson's disease according to Ayurveda. Mucuna pruriens (kapikacchu), ashwagandha and brahmi are the most popular options. A study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry (Katzenschlager et al., 2004) was performed on some Parkinson's disease patients taking mucuna pruriens and the results of this trial looked very promising. However, it is important to note that herbs can be interacted with prescription drugs and thus cannot be taken without proper consultation.
This is where Parkinsons Ayurvedic treatment may be considered alongside traditional care, but always with proper professional guidance.
The Bottom Line
Thus, going back to our question, low B12 may enhance the nerve symptoms and speed up the decline of memory, but still it is just a piece of a bigger puzzle. The blood test for B12 is easy, cheap and boring; everything that medical news should be.
Thus, Dr. Puneet Dhawan and Karma Ayurveda's course of treatment can be a great additional therapy for Parkinson patients. Besides these two methods, there are several others to investigate, but always remember to keep your neurologist informed of the treatment chosen.
Main Conclusions
- The lack of B12 can worsen the neurological symptoms.
- Levodopa can decrease the amount of B12 in the body over time
- Research shows an association but not definitive proof of causal relationship
- Blood test is a clear indicator
- Food, movement, sleep help in food, movement and sleeping respectively.
- Herbs need professional guidance at first
FAQs
Can low B12 make Parkinson's symptoms worse?
It might, mainly by adding numbness, tiredness and brain fog on top.
Does levodopa reduce B12?
It can, which is why many doctors keep an eye on your levels.
Which foods are high in B12?
Eggs, dairy, fish and fortified cereals are the usual stars.
Can I take B12 without testing?
Better to test first, since guessing at supplements isn't a great plan.
Is Ayurveda safe alongside regular medicines?
It can be, but only when your doctor and practitioner are both in the loop.
Disclaimer
This blog is for general information only and isn't medical advice. Parkinson's affects everyone differently, so please consult a qualified neurologist before changing medicines, starting supplements or trying herbs. Never delay or skip professional care because of something you read online.
