THE ESSENTIAL
- The number of Parkinson’s patients more than doubled in France between 1990 and 2015.
- The number of Parkinson’s patients more than doubled in France between 1990 and 2015 according to Inserm.
- Each year, approximately 25,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in France.
160,000 people have Parkinson’s disease in France, according to theNational Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm). After Alzheimer’s, it is the second most common degenerative disease in France.
Vitamin B12 protects once morest Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s is characterized by three main motor symptoms. The tremors first of all, which mainly concern the hands and arms. Akinesia then, that is to say when the individual feels a slowness in the implementation and coordination of his movements. And, finally, hypertension, which is an abnormal rigidity of the muscles.
Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease… But certain habits might nevertheless prevent its development. According to one new studyvitamin B12 plays a protective role.
B12, an important vitamin for nerve functions
To achieve this result, the scientists analyzed data from more than 80,000 women and 48,000 men. The participants completed questionnaires every four years for 30 years on their dietary habits and, in particular, their consumption of certain vitamins: folate (B9), B6 and B12. During the study, 495 women and 621 men were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
With all this information, the scientists were able to conclude that participants who took more vitamin B12 had a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. “The fact that B12 certainly plays a role in preventing Parkinson’s disease is not surprising, as we know this vitamin is essential for nerve function., explains Arielle Levitan, one of the authors. The B12 would help our nerves to function properly and transmit messages from the brain to other parts of the body.“
Vitamin B12 in meat and dairy products
The authors of the study do not give a precise indication for the quantity of vitamin B12 to consume. They simply note that needs vary from person to person. “Ideally, one should get vitamin B12 through food, but it is often difficultspecifies Arielle Levitan. It is mainly found in meat and dairy products, so vegetarians or vegans are often deficient”.
“Many people also need to take B12 supplements because with age it is often less well absorbed.continues Arielle Leviatan. Those with gastrointestinal disorders such as (…) Crohn’s disease or colitis also have lower levels of vitamin B12. In short, many people take vitamin B12 as a supplement.“And, according to this study, many should also take it to prevent Parkinson’s disease.
