B12 and Parkinson's

[1rocketman]

I'm seeing several posts about vitamin B1 and Parkinson's, but nothing about B12. I posted an article below.

I was researching numbness in the arms for my husband who is 2 years into his PD diagnosis, and came across this article. In reading other articles not related to PD, I read numbness in the extremities could be due to b12 deficiency. If PD patients are prone to this type of deficiency, then it makes sense why he might have this tingling/numbness. I am currently trying him on 1000 mg of sublingual b12 once a day, but I'm concerned this may be too much. I have read that you can't overdose on b12, but would be interested in the opinion of others on this topic. It has only been a week, we think there may be a very slight improvement, but nothing significant so far.

parkinsonsnewstoday.com/201...

[TeddyP123]

Hi 1rocketman,

For B12 deficiency, 1000 mcg a day is the recommended dose from what I have read. The key would be to ensure he uses the correct type of B12. It seems Cyanocobalamin is very poor in terms of oral bio-availability and Methylcobalamin is absorbed better.

I have also been taking 1000 mcg a day sublingual and on some days I take 2000 mcg and have been doing so for just over a month with no side effects.

I have not been diagnosed with PD but my Dad has and recently I have been plagued by many neurological symptoms that unfortunately I can only get assessed in the new year. Occasional slurred speech, stiff left arm (numb almost dead feeling in the mornings like I slept on it) tingling in my left shoulder, anxiety, internal tremors and occasional pinky finger tremor and brain fog.

I find for me Folate and Choline increase these symptoms but B12 seems to clear my mind and restore calm. I also took Neorobion (B1, B6 and B12) for a while which also seemed to help but moved off this due to the B12 being Cyanocobalamin.

Sorry for the long story I hope this helps a little.

[park_bear in reply to TeddyP123]

Over-the-counter supplement vinpocetine has been shown to help mental clarity in Parkinson's patients.

[1rocketman in reply to park_bear]

Thank you for your input.

[1rocketman in reply to TeddyP123]

Hello TeddyP123,

Thank you for your response. I was hoping the b12 would help lessen the numbness in his arms, but it is hard to say. We are throwing everything we can at this disease. Consistent exercise seems to bring the most relief.

As you await for your diagnosis, please start exercising if you haven't already. My husband takes the PD boxing classes, trains for simple 5k races, golfs when he can, treadmill, dog walking, etc. It forces me to train, as well, just to keep him motivated. My only regret is that we weren't consistent exercisers before his diagnosis. It is harder to develop good habits later!

Best of luck to you!

[Erniediaz1018 in reply to TeddyP123]

🙁 hope the test comes back negative.

[Juliegrace]

It is common for neurologists to test for B12 deficiency as part of the path to diagnosing PD. Not all do it though.

[1rocketman in reply to Juliegrace]

Not sure our neurologist did either. Will have to ask. Thank you.

[tid1]

Numbness in the arms can also be caused by herniated discs in the neck. You might want to ask his dr. to order an MRI of his neck. I have personally experienced this.

[1rocketman in reply to tid1]

Good point, thanks.

[PDGal4]

I was extremely fatigued when first diagnosed and my GP did a blood test for B12 deficiency. My level was so low, she prescribed monthly injections of B12 plus oral supplements. It took more than a year to get my B12 level up. No more injections, but I take 2000 mcg a day, which seems to keep my blood level up. It's a simple blood test and I have it done each year. One year, the GP was concerned that my blood level was double what it should be; can be an indication of cancer since B12 is water soluble and easily broken down and excreted by your body, but my neuro was unconcerned. He said my B12 blood level would have to be 5 times what it was for any concern. This year it's back to the high side of the acceptable level.

I take the ones that dissolve under your tongue. Apparently the ones you swallow whole don't get absorbed well.

[1rocketman in reply to PDGal4]

Thank you for the input. Has the b12 helped with the fatigue?

[PDGal4 in reply to 1rocketman]

I thought I'd responded to this but don't see my response. Yes, most definitely, the B12 has gotten rid of the fatigue. I still get tired at times during the day, but that feeling of dragging myself through the day is gone.

[1rocketman in reply to PDGal4]

I appreciate your response. I will keep him on the b12 then, as he does experience fatigue.

[PDFighter13]

I also take 1000 a day of b12. Another thing to keep in mind is that thyroid disorders can also cause numbness and tingling. Sometimes we blame everything on Parkinson's when it might be unrelated but if fixed, can make PD symptoms better.

[1rocketman in reply to PDFighter13]

Thank you. Good reminder to check for other causes...