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Vitamin D for Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease, also known as PD, has four main symptoms: trembling in one's legs, arms, face and jaw; limbs and trunk that are stiff; slow movement; and impaired coordination and balance. Research has been conducted to look at the effects Vitamin D may have on Parkinson's Disease.

  1. Vitamin D

    • Vitamin D can be made in the body from sunlight exposure and can also come from foods and supplements. Milk and most dairy products are fortified with Vitamin D.

    Vitamin D & Blood

    • A study in the Archives in Neurology suggests individuals suffering from Parkinson's may have "low blood levels of vitamin D." Patients with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's and adults of the same age were studied. Those with Parkinson's disease had low levels of Vitamin D.

    Lack of Vitamin D

    • The study, done by researchers at Emory University, does not suggest Vitamin D will prevent Parkinson's disease. The study also indicates it has not been proven that having low levels of Vitamin D is the cause of Parkinson's disease.

    Bone Loss

    • Many patients who have Parkinson's disease may also be at risk for osteoporosis. There is a lack of research on Vitamin D and its impact on bone metabolism in Parkinson's patients.

    Future Research

    • Further research is needed to determine if Vitamin D can prevent Parkinson's disease.

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