Long before Dr. Costantini was using vitamin B1 in his patients with PD, vitamin B1 was already being used as a supplement to help maintain better health. Many on this forum who are using vitamin B1 to good effect, in terms of their PD symptoms, may be wondering what other health benefit B1 may hold in store for them.
It is already established that people with PD are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) as discussed here :
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
Here is a relevant quote from the review of recent literature :
' Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide and growing evidence frequently reports their co-existence with PD. Cardiac dysautonomia due to autonomic nervous system malfunction is the most prevalent type of cardiovascular manifestation in these patients, comprising orthostatic and postprandial hypotension, along with supine and postural hypertension. Moreover, many studies have endorsed the risk of patients with PD to develop ischemic heart disease, heart failure and even arrhythmias, but the underlying mechanisms are not entirely clear. As importantly, the medication used in treating PD, such as levodopa, dopamine agonists or anticholinergic agents, is also responsible for cardiovascular adverse reactions, but further studies are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. '
With that thought in mind and for those using vitamin B1 as part of their treatment regimen, the following very large study suggests that vitamin B1 may be useful in helping to resist this propensity in people with PD for increased risk of CVD.
Here are a couple of very relevant quotes from the human study :
' Meanwhile, a dose–response correlation was observed, indicating that increased vitamin B1 intake leads to reduced risk of both cardiovascular prevalence and mortality. '
' The large NHANES-based studies indicate a gradual trend toward decreasing the risk of hypertension and heart failure prevalence and cardiovascular mortality with increasing dietary vitamin B1 intake. This association is especially significant in elderly-aged men, overweight individuals, smokers, drinkers, and dyslipidemia patients. '
As you can see, vitamin B1 has significant additional health value for those of you currently using it for PD. I like it when you can get a two for one from one easily accessible and inexpensive supplement with an excellent safety profile!
Art