Parkinson's disease, may it be caused by vitamin D deficiency?

With the aging of the population, Parkinson's disease, a neurological disease that affects millions of people around the world, has received increasing attention. The familiar symptoms are hand tremors, slow movements, and stiff postures, but did you know that a nutrient that we often ignore: vitamin D, is quietly involved in the occurrence and development of Parkinson's disease.

The latest research shows that vitamin D deficiency may not be a "consequence" of Parkinson's disease, but one of its "causes". In today's article, we will take you to understand the little-known relationship between vitamin D and the brain.

What is vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble hormone precursor. The main source is synthesis after sunlight exposure to the skin. It can also be obtained from foods such as fish, egg yolks, and dairy products. In the body, vitamin D needs to be "processed" twice by the liver and kidneys before it can become a biologically active form: calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D).

Its function is far more than just strengthening bones. In recent years, studies have found that vitamin D also plays a key role in immune regulation, anti-inflammation, and neuroprotection.

What is the connection between Parkinson's disease and vitamin D?

Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disease that mainly occurs in people over 60 years old. The most typical manifestations of patients are hand tremors, slowed steps, and sluggish movements, and gradually osteoporosis and even increased risk of fractures will occur.

Studies have found that Parkinson's patients generally have low levels of vitamin D in their bodies. And as the disease worsens, the level of vitamin D in the blood will further decrease.

More importantly, this vitamin D deficiency is not entirely caused by reduced activity or less sun exposure. Some studies believe that low levels of vitamin D may have existed before the disease appeared, and may even be involved in the occurrence of Parkinson's disease.

How does vitamin D protect our brain nerves?

Scientists have found that vitamin D has multiple protective mechanisms in the brain:

• Promote the production of neurotrophic factors: It can stimulate the production of neurotrophic factors (such as GDNF), which are essential for the growth and repair of nerve cells.
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: Vitamin D can reduce reactive oxygen species, inhibit inflammatory responses, and help nerve cells resist "chronic damage".
• Regulate calcium channels to prevent cell overexcitation: It can regulate calcium ion channels in nerve cells to prevent cell death caused by calcium overload.
• Delaying neurodegeneration: The neuroprotective function of vitamin D helps delay degenerative changes in brain areas related to Parkinson's disease.

Why are Parkinson's patients more likely to lack vitamin D?

Common reasons include:

• Too little sun exposure: Parkinson's patients rarely go out due to decreased mobility, and the opportunity to synthesize vitamin D in the skin is greatly reduced.
• Intestinal malabsorption: As the disease progresses, the gastrointestinal function of some patients will also be impaired, resulting in reduced absorption of vitamin D.
• The impact of the disease itself: Studies have shown that in the early stages of Parkinson's disease, patients' vitamin D levels are already low, which means that the disease itself may affect the metabolism of vitamin D.

The subtle connection between vitamin D and the brain

Vitamin D receptors are distributed in multiple areas of the brain, especially in the substantia nigra, a brain area closely related to Parkinson's disease.

The substantia nigra is where dopamine neurons are densely distributed, and the core mechanism of Parkinson's disease is the gradual death of these neurons. Studies have shown that when vitamin D levels decrease, the dysfunction of the substantia nigra will increase, accelerating the deterioration of the disease.

Emotions and cognition are also related to vitamin D!

Vitamin D not only affects the motor system, it also participates in regulating the synthesis of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter closely related to emotions and cognition.

Parkinson's patients are often accompanied by "non-motor symptoms" such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment, which may also be related to low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is like a "regulator" of the nervous system. Without it, brain function is easily unbalanced.

Conclusion

Vitamin D is not only the guardian of bones, but also an important line of defense for the nervous system. For Parkinson's patients, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels can help:

• Delay the deterioration of motor symptoms
• Improve cognitive and emotional states
• Reduce the risk of fractures and falls
• Improve overall quality of life

More clinical research is needed in the future to clarify the optimal supplementation dose and method, but it is certain that the role of vitamin D in Parkinson's disease management cannot be ignored.