• Home
• Defective Drug Index
• About A Drug Recall
• Contact A Defective Drug Lawyer

We Can Help.

A Link Between Parkinson's and Vitamin D?

-October 14, 2008

Research underway at Emory University is investigating whether vitamin D is effective at reducing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. While the results of this study are still pending, researchers have found that patients with Parkinson's are about 35 percent more likely to suffer from vitamin D deficiencies, as compared to their healthy peers.

These initial findings, published in the Archives of Neurology, now have researchers wondering whether the increased incidence of vitamin D deficiency in Parkinson's patients is the cause or result of the condition.

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is an incurable neurological disorder that slowly causes the nervous system to degenerate. Common symptoms of Parkinson's disease include:

• dementia
• impaired posture
• loss of balance
• muscle rigidity
• problems speaking
• tremors
• impaired automatic movements (i.e. blinking, facial movements, etc.)

While researchers are still working to uncover the precise causes of Parkinson's disease, some speculate that genetic aberrations or toxic environments may play a role in the development of this debilitating condition.

Parkinson's Disease and Vitamin D

From past research, the medical community currently accepts that Parkinson's disease primarily affects the substantia nigra, an area of the brain with a high concentration of vitamin D receptor cells.

While the presence of these cells may indicate that this portion of the brain needs substantial amounts of vitamin D to function, it is still unclear whether vitamin D supplements taken after Parkinson's has set in can play a role in re-stimulating the substantia nigra and, thereby, reduce Parkinson's symptoms.

Research Continues

As research continues to investigate this link, some have hypothesized that the symptoms of Parkinson's disease are so debilitating that they largely prevent patients from going outside. This theory holds an intriguing merit because people largely get intake their vitamin D via direct sunlight, as opposed to their diet.

Despite the need for further research, researchers and medical experts are stressing the importance of eating a balanced diet and taking doctor-approved nutritional supplements to ward off disease and ensure that the body's needs are being met.
(Source: BBC Health News)

Have you been harmed by a supplement or prescription medication? If so, contact us today to talk to an experienced defective drug attorney who will provide you with the legal support you need to pursue your legal claim.

• Reglan
• Raptiva
• Yaz Birth Control
• Nuvaring
• Duragesic Patch
• Heparin