06/10/2025
And that’s why
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=122103568569012497&id=61580374919170
Japanese researchers conducted a meta-analysis of gut microbiota using shotgun sequencing, comparing stool samples from Parkinson’s patients and healthy individuals across multiple countries. They observed a significant reduction in bacterial genes responsible for producing the B-vitamins riboflavin (B2) and biotin (B7) in Parkinson’s patients.
These deficiencies were linked to decreased levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and polyamines—molecules essential for maintaining a healthy intestinal mucus barrier. When this protective layer is weakened, the gut becomes more permeable, allowing toxins to cross into the bloodstream. Such toxins may contribute to the accumulation of abnormal α-synuclein proteins in gut neurons, which can then spread to the brain and harm dopamine-producing cells, fueling Parkinson’s symptoms.
Earlier research has shown that riboflavin supplementation may improve motor function in some patients, particularly when combined with dietary changes. The new findings suggest that measuring B2 and B7 levels and providing supplements to individuals with deficiencies, alongside strategies to support gut microbiome health and reduce toxin exposure, may offer a simple and targeted approach to managing Parkinson’s disease.
Source: Nishiwaki, H., Ueyama, J., Ito, M., et al. (2024). Meta-analysis of shotgun sequencing of gut microbiota in Parkinson’s disease. npj Parkinson’s Disease, 10, 106.
