Latest news with #Bvitamins
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Parkinson's Link to Gut Bacteria Hints at an Unexpected, Simple Treatment
Researchers have suspected for some time that the link between our gut and brain plays a role in the onset of Parkinson's disease. A recent study identified gut microbes likely to be involved and linked them with decreased riboflavin ( vitamin B2) and biotin (vitamin B7), suggesting an unexpectedly simple treatment that may help: B vitamins. "Supplementation therapy targeting riboflavin and biotin holds promise as a potential therapeutic avenue for alleviating PD symptoms and slowing disease progression," Nagoya University medical researcher Hiroshi Nishiwaki said when the study was published in May 2024. Related: The neurodegenerative disease impacts almost 10 million people globally, who at best can hope for therapies that slow and alleviate symptoms. Symptoms typically begin with constipation and sleep problems, up to 20 years before progressing into dementia and the debilitating loss of muscle control. Previous research found people with Parkinson's disease also experience changes in their microbiome long before other signs appear. Analyzing fecal samples from 94 patients with Parkinson's disease and 73 relatively healthy controls in Japan, Nishiwaki and team compared their results with data from China, Taiwan, Germany, and the US. While different groups of bacteria were involved in the different countries examined, they all influenced pathways that synthesize B vitamins in the body. The researchers found the changes in gut bacteria communities were associated with a decrease in riboflavin and biotin in people with Parkinson's disease. Nishiwaki and colleagues then showed the lack of B vitamins was linked to a decrease in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and polyamines: molecules that help create a healthy mucus layer in the intestines. "Deficiencies in polyamines and SCFAs could lead to thinning of the intestinal mucus layer, increasing intestinal permeability, both of which have been observed in Parkinson's disease," Nishiwaki explained. They suspect the weakened protective layer exposes the intestinal nervous system to more of the toxins we now encounter more regularly. These include cleaning chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides. Such toxins lead to the overproduction of α-synuclein fibrils – molecules known to amass in dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra part of our brains, and increased nervous system inflammation, eventually leading to the more debilitating motor and dementia symptoms of Parkinson's. A 2003 study found high doses of riboflavin can assist in recovering some motor functions in patients who also eliminated red meat from their diets. So it's possible that high doses of vitamin B may prevent some of the damage, Nishiwaki and team propose. This all suggests healthy gut microbiomes may also prove protective, and reducing the toxic pollutants in our environment may help too. Of course, with such a complicated chain of events involved in Parkinson's disease, it's likely that not all patients experience the same causes, so each individual would need to be assessed. "We could perform gut microbiota analysis on patients or conduct fecal metabolite analysis," explained Nishiwak. "Using these findings, we could identify individuals with specific deficiencies and administer oral riboflavin and biotin supplements to those with decreased levels, potentially creating an effective treatment." This research was published in npj Parkinson's Disease. An earlier version of this article was published in June 2024. Related News Alzheimer's Breakthrough: Lithium Reverses Memory Loss in Mice A Routine Vaccine May Lower Dementia Risk by as Much as 20% Just One High-Fat Meal Can Disrupt Blood Flow to Your Brain, Study Finds Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Research Reveals Exactly How B Vitamins Influence Health
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."Taking care of your health requires a comprehensive approach, focusing on regular movement, eating well, and much more. But research has found that there's a cluster of vitamins, specifically B vitamins, that can have a big impact on your disease risk and brain health. Called the B vitamin complex, it's a collection of eight different vitamins. Each B vitamin does something slightly different, but a series of studies suggests that B vitamins can influence your cognitive health, cardiovascular health, and more. Meet the experts: Irwin H. Rosenberg, M.D., nutrition researcher and professor emeritus at Tufts University; Jessica Cording, R.D., C.D.N., is a dietitian and health coach, and author of The Little Book of Game-Changers; Keri Gans, M.S., R.D., is the author of The Small Change Diet; Clifford Segil, D.O., a neurologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA B vitamins tend to be lumped together, and with that, many people don't completely understand what they do and why they're important. Here's what dietitians, a neurologist, and a nutrition researcher want you to know about the different B vitamins, plus what they do in the body. What are B vitamins? B vitamins are a group of vitamins. 'Vitamin B refers to a group of eight water-soluble vitamins that include B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12, each playing a different role in our bodies,' says Keri Gans, M.S., R.D., author of The Small Change Diet. 'Together they are known as B-complex vitamins.' Overall, B vitamins support the process your body uses to get or make energy from the food you eat, explains Jessica Cording, R.D., C.D.N., author of The Little Book of Game-Changers. They also help to form red blood cells. While you can get B vitamins from food, they also come in supplement form, Cording points out. What does each B vitamin do? Each B vitamin impacts your health in slightly different ways. Here's what dietitians want you to keep in mind. B1 Also known as thiamine, B1 helps to support the growth, development, and function of your cells, Cording says. This B vitamin specifically helps your cells turn carbs into energy. 'Thiamine seems to have effects on the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system,' says Irwin H. Rosenberg, M.D., nutrition researcher and professor emeritus at Tufts University. "It also seems to have secondary effects on the heart." Having enough B1 in your diet may help support blood sugar management and lower your risk of brain disorders like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Research suggests a link between lower levels of thiamine and type 2 diabetes, but it's not clear if having low levels of B1 actually causes the condition. B2 Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, helps with your body's production of energy, along with the function, growth, and development of cells, per the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Riboflavin can also help your body break down fats and medications, Cording says. 'Riboflavin is often used to treat migraine headaches in patients who want to avoid prescription medication trials,' says Clifford Segil, D.O., a neurologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. It can also decrease blood pressure in people with a certain genetic variation, potentially lowering the risk of stroke. 'More recently, we and others have noticed that low riboflavin was associated with some changes in both the nervous system and blood pressure,' Dr. Rosenberg says. 'There is an association between low riboflavin and hypertension.' B3 Niacin, or vitamin B3, also works to support the function of your brain, nerves, and skin. High doses of niacin may lower levels of LDL 'bad' cholesterol and raise HDL 'good' cholesterol levels, per the NIH. But taking these high doses can cause flushing, burning, tingling, and itching sensations, making it uncomfortable for people to use to lower cholesterol. There may be a role for niacin in skin cancer, though. 'Niacin seems to protect against the way the skin can respond to the damaging effects of the sun,' Dr. Rosenberg says. 'It may be helpful in preventing some skin cancers related to sun exposure.' However, he says, that's still being explored. B5 Also known as pantothenic acid, this vitamin works to help the body break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, Cording says. Research has looked into the possibility of vitamin B5 reducing levels of lipids (fat in the blood) in people who have high cholesterol and similar conditions, and the NIH says it may help. Some studies have shown that vitamin B5 may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in some doses. B6 Vitamin B6 supports metabolism and the immune system, according to Cording. It may also help boost brain health. Vitamin B6 may play a role in reducing bodily inflammation, which is linked to a host of serious diseases, including cardiovascular disease, dementia, and arthritis. But research into this is ongoing, per the NIH. Lack of B6 is linked with elevated levels of an amino acid called homocysteine in the blood, Dr. Rosenberg points out. 'Elevated homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, and especially dementia,' he says. 'Vitamin B6 plus folic acid and B12 are the three vitamins that are necessary to treat and lower blood homocysteine when it's elevated. This is a promising and underutilized approach to [slowing] age-related cognitive decline.' B7 Biotin helps the body break down nutrients and can support metabolism, Cording says. The vitamin is usually linked to support for healthy skin, hair, and nails, especially in supplements. But the NIH points out that more research is needed. Dr. Rosenberg agrees. 'Biotin deficiency may be related to some skin conditions and there's even been some suggestion that it may help with some skin conditions—but that association is weak,' he says. B12 Vitamin B12, a.k.a. cobalamin, helps support energy production, Cording says. It also helps support blood and nerve cells. 'It's really involved in so many aspects of our well-being,' Cording says. Vitamin B12 is being researched as a potential way to lower the risk of cognitive decline in older adults. (The NIH says that more research is needed.) However, having low levels of vitamin B12 may lead to neurological changes. 'Vitamin B12 is part of the routine reversible memory loss lab work every patient being evaluated for dementia should obtain when they see a neurologist or their primary care physician,' Dr. Segil says. Folic acid Vitamin B9 helps to support the formation of red blood cells and DNA, as well as cell growth. Folic acid also plays a role in brain development during pregnancy. Supplementing with folic acid may lower the risk of stroke, according to the NIH. Should I take a B vitamin? It's important to point out that you can get B vitamins through food. These are the most common sources of B vitamins, per the U.S. National Library of Medicine: Fish Fortified cereals and breads Poultry Meat Eggs Dairy products Leafy green vegetables Beans Peas While you can also get B vitamins by taking a supplement, Cording says it's best to check in with a healthcare provider first. (They'll likely want to give you a blood test to see whether you're deficient in anything and by how much.) 'There are certain times where individually supplementing with one or a few of the B vitamins might be indicated,' Cording says. 'But check with your healthcare provider.' Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
Health Line
26-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
When Is the Best Time to Take Vitamins?
You can take most vitamins at any time of the day. But your body may absorb some nutrients better if you take them with a meal containing fat. To function properly, your body needs 13 vitamins — 9 of which are water-soluble and 4 of which are fat-soluble. While these nutrients are found in varying amounts in food, some people need to supplement with certain vitamins to meet their nutritional requirements. Normally, most vitamins can be taken at any time of day. That said, some vitamins are better absorbed under special conditions, which is why it's good to know how and when to take a supplement to promote optimal absorption. This article explains how and when to take vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins As the name implies, water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. As such, you don't need to take them with food for them to be absorbed. There are nine water-soluble vitamins, which include vitamin C plus the eight B vitamins — B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). You need to regularly consume water-soluble vitamins because, unlike fat-soluble vitamins, they're not readily stored in your body's tissues. Instead, excess water-soluble vitamins are excreted through your urine. Vitamin C Vitamin C plays many critical roles in your body. For example, it functions as a powerful antioxidant and is needed for immune health, as well as collagen and neurotransmitter synthesis. There are several forms of vitamin C supplements, including ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid with bioflavonoids, liposomal vitamin C, and calcium ascorbate. Ascorbic acid supplements have a bioavailability similar to that of the ascorbic acid found in foods like fruits and vegetables. You can take vitamin C supplements at any time of day, with or without food, although taking ascorbic acid with foods can help decrease the potential gastrointestinal side effects caused by its high acidity. Make sure to store vitamin C supplements in a cool, dark place, as this nutrient is sensitive to heat and light. B vitamins B vitamins are sold individually or as B complex supplements that contain all eight B vitamins. Because they're water-soluble, you can take them with or without food and at any time of the day. That said, it's often recommended to take B vitamins in the morning due to their important role in nutrient metabolism and energy production. What's more, some people may benefit from taking B vitamins on an empty stomach. For example, it's recommended that people with a B12 deficiency take B12 supplements on an empty stomach with water to promote maximal absorption. Fat-soluble vitamins Unlike water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins depend on fat for proper absorption. Thus, it's generally recommended that you take fat-soluble compounds with a meal that contains fat. Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency is rare in the United States but more common in developing countries. Certain populations are more at risk of developing vitamin A deficiency due to increased needs or reduced absorption. This includes people who are pregnant and nursing and those with cystic fibrosis. Most vitamin A supplements contain vitamin A derived from fish liver oil or in the form of vitamin A carotenoids, which are plant compounds that your body converts into the active form of vitamin A. To promote optimal absorption, you should take vitamin A supplements with a fat-containing meal. Keep in mind that if you eat a balanced diet, taking vitamin A supplements typically isn't necessary. Plus, some evidence suggests that high dose vitamin A supplements may increase the risk of all-cause and cancer-related mortality. For this reason, don't supplement with high dose vitamin A unless a healthcare professional recommends doing so. Vitamin D Vitamin D is needed for immune function, bone health, cellular growth, and more. More than 1 billion people worldwide are deficient in this important nutrient. Vitamin D can be taken at any time of day, and most of these supplements should be taken with fat-containing meals or snacks to ensure optimal absorption. For example, one study in 50 older adults found that vitamin D absorption was 32% greater in those who took a vitamin D supplement with a fat-containing meal compared with those who took it with a fat-free meal. However, some vitamin D supplements aren't affected by what you eat. For example, one animal study found that oil-based and microsomal vitamin D supplements — vitamin D encapsulated in fatty acid spheres — can be taken without food. It's important to note that vitamin D activation depends on having adequate levels of magnesium. Therefore, to maintain healthy vitamin D levels, make sure you're also getting enough magnesium. Also, keep in mind that certain fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin E, may affect vitamin D absorption. On the other hand, taking vitamin K alongside vitamin D may benefit bone mineral density. Vitamin E Vitamin E functions as a major antioxidant in your body and is essential for healthy blood flow and immune function. It's also a popular dietary supplement — even though this nutrient is found in many foods and deficiency is rare. That said, people who have certain medical conditions, including short bowel syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and Crohn's disease, may have to supplement with vitamin E to avoid deficiency. It's typically recommended that vitamin E supplements are taken with a meal. However, one 2019 study in 27 women found that as long as fat was ingested throughout the day, vitamin E was absorbed effectively. This means it may not be necessary to take vitamin E with a fat-containing meal as long as you consume enough fat at subsequent meals. Keep in mind that even though vitamin E is essential to health, taking too much in supplement form could cause harm in certain populations. For instance, some older research suggests that high dose vitamin E supplements may lead to an elevated risk of prostate cancer in healthy men. Vitamin K Vitamin K refers to a family of fat-soluble compounds that includes vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinones). Vitamin K is needed for blood clotting, bone and heart health, and more. Clinically significant vitamin K deficiency is rare in adults, although it's more common in those with bleeding disorders and malabsorption conditions, as well as in people taking medications that interfere with vitamin K absorption. You can take vitamin K supplements at any time of day with a meal or snack that contains fat. Because most people get enough vitamin K through their diet, it's not recommended to take high dose supplements unless a healthcare professional recommends doing so — even though these supplements are generally safe and not related to significant side effects. Nevertheless, vitamin K supplements may interfere with certain anticoagulant medications. If you're taking these medications, consult your healthcare professional before taking vitamin K. If possible, take vitamin K separately from the fat-soluble vitamins E and A. On the other hand, taking vitamins D and K together can be beneficial, as these nutrients work synergistically to promote bone health and healthy calcium levels in your body. Multivitamins Multivitamins typically contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. Some people prefer multivitamins over single-nutrient supplements because they're convenient and can be less expensive. Although data on the long-term health benefits of taking a multivitamin is inconsistent, it's known that taking them can help fill nutrient gaps, particularly in vulnerable populations like older adults and people who are pregnant. Because these supplements commonly contain both fat- and water-soluble vitamins, it's typically recommended to consume them with a meal. This may enhance the absorption of certain nutrients while reducing the risk of gastrointestinal upset, which can otherwise occur when taking a multivitamin on an empty stomach. If you're taking two or more pills per day, consider splitting the dose to help your body absorb certain nutrients more effectively. For example, take one pill with breakfast and one with lunch. If you have questions about dosing or how to take your vitamin supplements, consult your healthcare professional for advice. The bottom line Your body absorbs and stores nutrients in different ways. This should be considered when taking single-nutrient supplements and multivitamins. For example, some nutrients are better absorbed with meals, while others can be taken on an empty stomach.
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
I tested the hydration drink users call their 'go-to' for a daily boost - it gave me more energy, better focus and ZERO crash (plus get 15% off)
Shoppers looking to start their day with something hydrating, energy-boosting and focus-enhancing are swapping out their morning coffee for this electrolyte drink from Spacegoods, calling it their new everyday 'go-to'. The Spacegoods Hydro Dust is a hydration supplement designed to help you feel more energised, focused, and resilient every single day. The best bit? MailOnline readers can score an additional 15 per cent off with our code. Spacegoods Hydro Dust - Starter Kit Packed with electrolytes, B vitamin complex, minerals, and Reishi mushrooms, Hydro Dust is crafted to complement your active lifestyle - helping you feel refreshed, replenished, and ready to take on the day. The best bit? MailOnline readers can score an additional 15 per cent off with code MAILONLINE15. £33.15 (save £5.85) Shop Whether you're upgrading your morning brew or after a tasty and effective post-workout drink, Spacegoods Hydro Dust is the good-for-you, super ingredient-packed solution you need to try That's right, for 15 per cent off your first Spacegoods order, simply use the code MAILONLINE15 at checkout, making your next hydration boost even more affordable. Whether you're upgrading your morning brew or after a tasty and effective post-workout drink, Spacegoods Hydro Dust is the good-for-you, super ingredient-packed solution you need to try. Packed with electrolytes, B vitamin complex, minerals, and Reishi mushrooms, Hydro Dust is crafted to complement your active lifestyle - helping you feel refreshed, replenished, and ready to take on the day. Flavoured with real watermelon dust, the tasty drink features Himalayan Pink Salt, Potassium, Chloride and Magnesium to help contribute to electrolyte balance while supporting hydration and preventing muscle cramps – making it an ideal choice for pre and post-workout sipping. Hydro Dust also features Vitamin C and Zinc, nutrients known for their role in supporting a healthy immune system, plus B1, B3, and B6, which are involved in energy metabolism and mental focus. Also in the mix is Reishi, a functional mushroom traditionally used to promote endurance. The result is a delicious drink that keeps you hydrated, switched on, energised and less stressed - and I can attest to this as I put Hydro Dust to the test myself. Keen to reduce my caffeine intake, I've been on the hunt for things that'll give me that same needed boost in the mornings and before my workouts without the stomach sensitivity and brain fog that often comes alongside my long black. After trying Spacegood's Rainbow Dust drinks and loving it, I decided to give the Hydro Dust a go. Safe to say I wasn't disappointed. As simple as stirring a teaspoon of powder into a glass of water, Hydro Dust has helped me kick the caffeine without sacrificing on energy levels, and I've found myself feeling more focused and switched on after my daily watermelon drink, too. While I love it for helping me stay focused at work (especially after a poor night of sleep), I appreciate it most as a pre-workout drink, giving me a dose of salt and hydration before a big sweat while giving me a helpful boost to tackle my workout. Thanks to the inclusion of Reishi Mushroom, a highly hyped adaptogen, Hydro Dust helps to support resilience, known to help the body adapt to stress and support a calm, focused state. Even on my busiest days this has been a huge help, keeping me far more level headed. In fact, I couldn't put the benefits better than this five-star reviewer, who wrote: 'It does seem to give a bit of a lift. Nothing jittery or intense, just a subtle feeling of being more switched on and energised.' And for that boosted feeling alone, I have to rate Hydro Dust a five out of five.
Medical News Today
13-05-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Glaucoma: Vitamin B, choline supplements may slow down progression
Two supplements may help slow down the progression of glaucoma, according to a new study. Design by MNT; Photography by& Halfdark/Getty Images Glaucoma is a type of eye disease that can injure the optic nerve and lead to blindness. Past studies show there are several ways a person can help lower their risk for glaucoma, including eating a healthy diet rich in certain nutrients. A new study has found that supplementation with B vitamins and choline may help slow the progression of glaucoma, via a mouse model. There is currently no cure for glaucoma. Medications, surgery, and laser treatments are currently used to help treat and slow the progression of the condition. Now, a new study recently published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine adds to this body of knowledge by reporting that supplementation with B vitamins and the essential nutrient choline may help slow the progression of glaucoma, via a mouse model. For this study, researchers focused on an amino acid that naturally occurs in the body called homocysteine. Homocysteine plays a crucial role in protein synthesis. Past studies have linked high homocysteine levels to the development and progression of glaucoma. However, in this current study, researchers found when mice with glaucoma were given higher levels of homocysteine, it did not make their glaucoma worse. They also discovered that increased amounts of homocysteine in the blood were not linked to how fast the disease progressed. 'Our conclusion is that homocysteine is a bystander in the disease process, not a player,' James Tribble, researcher and assistant professor at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and co-lead author of this study said in a press release. 'Altered homocysteine levels may reveal that the retina has lost its ability to use certain vitamins that are necessary to maintain healthy metabolism. That's why we wanted to investigate whether supplements of these vitamins could protect the retina,' he said. Researchers then provided supplements of B vitamins — including B6, B9 (folate), and B12 — as well as the essential nutrient choline to the glaucoma mouse model. Scientists discovered that in mice with slow development of glaucoma, the optic nerve damage was completely stopped. And in mice with a more aggressive form of glaucoma, the supplementation helped slow down the disease's progression. The researchers mentioned that in all experiments with the mouse glaucoma model, eye pressure was not treated. Glaucoma is normally associated with elevated eye pressure or intraocular pressure (IOP). A primary treatment for glaucoma is lowering the eye's IOP through the use of medications, laser treatments, or surgery. Scientists believe this shows that the vitamin supplementation may impact glaucoma in a different way than lower eye pressure. Researchers are now reportedly beginning a clinical trial to test their findings on humans. Medical News Today had the opportunity to speak with David I. Geffen, OD, FAAO, director of optometric and refractive services at the Gordon Schanzlin New Vision in La Jolla, CA, about this study. 'Any new method of decreasing the damage from glaucoma is a welcome addition to our ability to save eyesight,' Geffen commented. 'This could be revolutionary in, it is one of the first studies to show supplements will help control glaucoma. As our population is aging, we are seeing a large increase of glaucoma patients in our practice.' 'Because glaucoma is a progressive disease and we do not have a cure, any new treatment is a welcome addition,' he continued. 'We know glaucoma medications seem to be less effective over time. Therefore, we need to keep finding more new ways to help control this process and eventually cure the disease. This treatment may be an important way to look at new ways to control glaucoma.' 'In the future I would like to see some longer-term studies with glaucoma patients,' Geffen added. 'I would also like to see investigations on similar types of treatments utilizing other supplements.' MNT also spoke with Benjamin Bert, MD, a board certified ophthalmologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, about this research. Bert commented that anytime we make any discoveries that show the potential to slow or prevent any damage from diseases like glaucoma is always a good thing. 'There have been other nutrition studies that have been done in the past that have shown some benefit, and so anything that we can add to what we can do on a daily basis is, of course, of great importance and great interest,' he added. 'Right now, the only treatments that we have for glaucoma specifically are eye drops and surgeries to lower the eye pressure, but we're discovering more and more that there's other things that are happening that can actually cause the progression of the glaucoma. So continuing to explore the actual background of why this damage is happening is very important to be able to develop other treatments for it, and also ways to prevent it from happening in the first place.' — Benjamin Bert, MD 'And this study, in particular, kind of identified homocysteine as one of the metabolic components that was causing some of the damage, which had been thought of before but not directly treated,' he added. 'And with the vitamin supplements showing some prevention benefit, that's an exciting thing for us to be able to have on the horizon.' Supplements Eye Health / Blindness Nutrition / Diet
