Gut bacteria changes linked to Parkinson's disease treatment

Researchers have found a possible link between gut bacteria and Parkinson's disease, suggesting a simple treatment involving B vitamins. The study highlighted that changes in gut microbes might lead to lower levels of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and biotin (vitamin B7) in some Parkinson's patients. The research team, led by Hiroshi Nishiwaki at Nagoya University, noted that people with Parkinson's disease often experience gut issues, including constipation and sleep problems, years before motor symptoms appear. Almost 10 million people worldwide live with this neurodegenerative disease. In the study, researchers analyzed fecal samples from 94 Parkinson’s patients and 73 healthy individuals in Japan. They compared these findings with data from other countries, including China and Germany. While the types of bacteria varied by location, they all impacted the body's ability to synthesize B vitamins. The findings indicated that changes in gut bacteria were linked to lower levels of riboflavin and biotin. These deficiencies could cause changes in the intestines, leading to a weaker mucus layer. This weakening may expose the nervous system to harmful toxins, which can contribute to Parkinson’s symptoms. The study also referenced prior research indicating that high doses of riboflavin might help improve motor functions in some patients. Researchers propose that supplementing these vitamins could protect against some of the disease's damage. This research suggests that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome may offer protective benefits. However, since Parkinson's can have various causes, treatments would need to be personalized for each individual. The study concluded that analyzing gut bacteria could help identify patients who could benefit from vitamin supplementation. Further research in this area may open new pathways for treating Parkinson's disease.