Parkinson’s Disease: An Update

In our discussion on May 16, 2024, we explored the role of the gut microbiome in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the potential of fecal microbiota transplants as a treatment. A recent development further underscores the gut-brain connection in PD.
 
Nishiwaki H. and colleagues at Nagoya University [1] conducted a meta-analysis of microbiome studies across multiple countries, alongside metabolomic analyses of fecal samples from PD patients. Their findings identified specific gut microbes linked to the disease and a resulting deficiency in riboflavin (vitamin B2) and biotin (vitamin B7). This discovery suggests a simple, yet potentially impactful intervention: B vitamin supplementation.
 
The authors stated:
"Supplementation of riboflavin and/or biotin is likely to be beneficial in a subset of Parkinson's disease patients, in which gut dysbiosis plays pivotal roles."
 
Their recommendation is rooted in existing research. Riboflavin has demonstrated therapeutic benefits in reducing oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and glutamate excitotoxicity—all factors in PD pathogenesis [2]. Notably, high-dose riboflavin has been shown to improve motor function in PD patients [3].
 
Biotin, on the other hand, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, with benefits observed in allergy relief, immune regulation, and inflammatory bowel disease [4]. In high doses, it has been proven effective in treating motor and visual impairments in multiple sclerosis [5,6]. However, clinical evidence supporting biotin’s role in alleviating PD symptoms is still lacking.
 
These findings highlight the growing understanding of the gut microbiome’s role in neurodegenerative diseases and open the door for further research into the potential of targeted nutritional interventions in PD management.
 
You could read an excellent review of Nishiwaki H. et al. paper by Sciencealert.com here:

Parkinson's Gut Bacteria Link Suggests an Unexpected, Simple Treatment
Health23 March 2025
ByTessa Koumoundouros

​References
 
[1] Nishiwaki, H., Ueyama, J., Ito, M. et al. Meta-analysis of shotgun sequencing of gut microbiota in Parkinson’s disease. npj Parkinsons Dis. 10, 106 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-024-00724-z
 
[2] Marashly, E. T. & Bohlega, S. A. Riboflavin Has Neuroprotective Potential: Focus on Parkinson’s Disease and Migraine. Front. Neurol. 8, 333 (2017).
 
[3] Coimbra, C. G. & Junqueira, V. B. High doses of riboflavin and the elimination of dietary red meat promote the recovery of some motor functions in Parkinson’s disease patients. Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res. 36, 1409–1417 (2003).
 
[4] Kuroishi, T. Regulation of immunological and inflammatory functions by biotin. Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 93, 1091–1096 (2015).
 
[5] Sedel, F. et al. High doses of biotin in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis: a pilot study. Mult Scler Relat. Disord. 4, 159–169 (2015).
 
[6] Sedel, F., Bernard, D., Mock, D. M. & Tourbah, A. Targeting demyelination and virtual hypoxia with high-dose biotin as a treatment for progressive multiple sclerosis. Neuropharmacology 110, 644–653 (2016).