Study Finds Inverse Association of Vitamins C and E with Parkinson's disease

Jan, 2021 - By WMR

Studies have found a direct relationship between vitamins C and E and Parkinson's disease, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Vitamins C and E have long been recognized to have many positive benefits for the human body, but what exactly are they? Vitamins C and E have antioxidant qualities, meaning that they stop the harmful effects of free radical damage. Free radicals are primarily responsible for the deterioration of various cellular processes, such as the cell's DNA, causing cells to mutate and develop cancerous growths.

It is known that Vitamin E protects the membrane of the brain, which is essential for its proper functioning. Hence it can effectively lower risk for acquiring this condition as studies show a positive correlation between vitamin E and C intake and decreased risk for Parkinson's disease among elderly individuals. In study, published in the journal Neurology, researchers from University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy, sought out to determine whether high baseline dietary antioxidants and total non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity is associated with a lower risk of Parkinson disease. The team concluded that dietary vitamin E and C intake might be inversely associated with the risk of Parkinson disease.

Vitamin E has been found effective in reducing oxidative stress, which is one of the primary mechanisms of Parkinson's disease. The protective effects of vitamins e against Parkinson's disease were found using a double blind randomized study in Japan. The subjects who were administered vitamin E showed a significantly lower risk for Parkinson's disease after the intervention than those who were given placebo. The protective effect of the vitamins was attributed to its antioxidant properties that are capable of neutralizing the oxidative stress, which is caused by genetics, environment, or lifestyle. The findings suggested that increasing the intake of vitamin E may be an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease.

The benefits of vitamins C and E go beyond preventing the formation of advanced age-related diseases, such as heart disease. While most people generally think of vitamins as being anti-cancer and heart-healthy, vitamins C and E can also serve as potent antioxidants that can prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (LDL) in your arteries. Research indicates that vitamin C has a molecular basis that allows it to become an effective agent in lipid peroxidation, or fat oxidation. Lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant found in fruits like cranberries, oranges, kiwi fruit, and oranges, acts as an important liaise and co-factor in fat oxidation. It scavenges hydroxyl radicals (free radical molecules that damage cellular membranes), preventing their formation and damage to DNA and cell protein. This research indicates the potential for lowering your blood pressure, reducing inflammation of the blood vessels, reducing your cholesterol levels, and slowing down the aging process, just by taking vitamin C and E supplements.

Vitamins E has several benefits to our body's immune system. It helps protect us from viruses and helps repair damaged tissues. It also aids in the absorption of iron and phosphorous, two of the important nutrients for maintaining healthy bones and nails. With all these benefits, it is not surprising that it also has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other nervous disorders.