Vitamin B12 supplementation could postpone disease progression in Parkinson’s patients

Patients recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease that have low levels of vitamin B12 develop symptoms faster than those with higher levels, suggesting supplementation could postpone the progression of symptoms, new research has found.

Boost B12 Oral Spray RRP £11.95

The study, published in the journal Movement Disorders, demonstrates that low vitamin B12 levels are associated with greater walking and balance problems, possibly due to the known effect of a B12 deficiency on the central peripheral nervous systems.

Researchers divided patients, who were recently diagnosed but had not yet begun treatment, into three groups according to their levels of vitamin B12 and assessed them over a two-year period.

Upon completion of preliminary evaluations, patients were given the opportunity to take a controlled daily vitamin supplement.  Research results showed improved vitamin B12 levels in approximately 50% of participants, indicating supplementation was taken.

Disease progression in patients with improved vitamin B12 levels was found to be much slower with them exhibiting a decreased score on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) (a measure of Parkinson’s disability) compared with those maintaining low levels of the vitamin.

A deficiency of this essential vitamin promotes the development of neurological and motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, including depression, paranoia, muscular numbness and weakness.

Known as the brain booster, vitamin B12 is vital for cognitive health, however it is notoriously difficult to absorb through the gut, meaning that supplementing has become a necessity.  In fact, B12 is so difficult to absorb that only one percent of intake from food is retained.

Supplementing B12 via a daily oral spray means the vitamin is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, avoiding the digestive system which can destroy essential nutrients with strong enzymes and acids.

Andrew Thomas, founder and managing director of natural health company BetterYou, said:

B12 is a vital nutrient, by delivering it orally in spray form it benefits from the superabsorbent soft tissue of the mucosal membrane within the mouth and the proximity of a rich vascular system.

Our daily required intake for health maintenance is relatively small, however few foods provide a rich source (red meats and offal are major sources) and more restricted diets omit these. In addition, B12 is a very difficult vitamin to absorb and our digestive efficiency is reducing rapidly.

Supplementation is becoming more of a necessity for us and using a spray in the mouth bypasses the digestive system, ensuring optimal absorption.

BetterYou B12 Boost Oral Spray uses the most bio available form of B12 (Methylcobalamin), which is a naturally active form found within human metabolism meaning it is processed faster by the body than most other forms found in supplements.

Boost is suitable for vegetarians and vegans and can be used throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.  Available from Holland and Barrett, all good health stores and online at  www.betteryou.com