Does higher intake of folate or vitamin B6 protect against Parkinson's disease risk?

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that causes unintentional or uncontrollable movements such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulties with balance and coordination. The study aimed to examine the association of long-term folate intake, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 with the incidence of PD.

The study, which followed 80,965 women and 48,837 men over several decades, examined the association between long-term intake of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 with the incidence of PD.

The researchers measured how much B vitamins people consumed by asking about their diet every four years. They used this information to estimate the likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease while considering other factors that could affect the results.

The study revealed the following clinical findings:

1. The results showed that total folate, B6, and B12 were not associated with the risk of PD in separate analyses of cumulative average intake. Results from 8-, 12-, and 16-year lag analyses were consistent with these findings.
2. Results for baseline intake of folate and B6 pointed toward a null association.
3. A lower PD risk was observed among individuals with a higher baseline total intake of B12, and results from 20-year lag analyses were consistent with this finding.
4. People with the most vitamin B12 had a 20% lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. This result was statistically significant with a high level of confidence.

The study's conclusions do not support the hypothesis that a higher folate or vitamin B6 intake would reduce PD risk in this population. However, the results provide moderate support for a possible protective effect of vitamin B12 on the development of PD.

Dr. Mario Flores-Torres, lead author of the study added, “These findings may have important implications for individuals looking to reduce their risk of developing PD. While further research is needed to confirm these findings, individuals may want to consider increasing their intake of vitamin B12 through their diet or supplementation.”

Reference:

Flores-Torres M., Christine C., Bjornevik K., Molsberry S., Hung A., Healy B., Blacker D., Schwarzschild M., Ascherio A.; Long-Term Intake of Folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 and the Incidence of Parkinson's Disease in a Sample of U.S. Women and Men, Movement Disorders, 2023.03.20 doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.29383