Low vitamin D linked to severe Parkinson's disease, finds study

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2021-01-01 07:00 GMT | Update On 2021-01-01 10:44 GMT

Italy: Low levels of vitamin D negatively affect the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD), according to a recent study in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience. The study found serum 25(OH)D to be negatively correlated with symptom and disease severity, as well as with cognitive functions.

Patients with parkinson's disease have lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) serum levels than the general population. Previous studies have suggested a negative association between 25(OH)D and clinical features of PD, but the data are not consistent. To fill this knowldge gap, Michela Barichella, Fondazione Grigioni per il Morbo di Parkinson, Milano, Italy, and colleagues conducted a cross-sectional, observational study.

The researchers studied serum 25(OH)D, disease (Hoehn-Yahr stage [HY]) and clinical symptom (Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS]) severity and global cognitive functions (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE]) in 500 consecutive PD patients not using vitamin D supplements. They also collected information on sunlight exposure and dietary intakes (using a 66-item food frequency questionnaire). A convenient sample of age and sex-matched community healthy controls (N = 100) was included as a control group.

Key findings of the study include:

PD patients had lower 25(OH)D serum levels than controls. Deficiency status (<20 ng/mL) was found in 65.6% of patients.
25(OH)D levels were independently correlated to sunlight exposure and vitamin D intake.
In multivariate models, using a Mendelian randomization approach, lower serum 25(OH)D was associated with more severe disease, worse clinical symptoms (UPDRS Part-III total score and dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic subscores) and greater global cognitive function impairment.
Neither cognitive functions nor clinical features were associated with reduced intake of vitamin D and sunlight exposure.

"Our study adds to the evidence that low 25(OH)D may affect the progression of PD negatively. Intervention studies in this area are required," concluded the authors.

The study, "Clinical correlates of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in Parkinson's disease," is published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience.

DOI: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1028415X.2020.1840117

Article Source : journal Nutritional Neuroscience

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Medha Baranwal

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Low vitamin D linked to severe Parkinson's disease, finds study

Similar News

Abelacimab Cuts Bleeding Risk in AF Patients Regardless of Kidney Function: AZALEA-TIMI 71 Analysis

Antidepressant Use Linked to Lower Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Study Shows

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Improve Metabolic Outcomes in Schizophrenia Patients on Antipsychotics: JAMA

Long-Standing Diabetes Significantly Increases Dementia Risk in Heart Attack Survivors, Study Finds

Moderate-to-regular daily sleep patterns are associated with enhanced cognitive function: Study

Not so sweet: Some sugar substitutes linked to faster cognitive decline, reveals research

Influenza-Associated Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy rare but Severe in Children, reports JAMA

Novartis, Arrowhead strike upto USD 2 billion deal for neuromuscular therapy license