It's great that you're thinking ahead while waiting for your next appointment! Vitamin B12 does come up quite a bit in conversations among MyParkinsonsTeam members, so you're not alone in wondering about it.
Vitamin B12 is thought to play a role in both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's. It supports a chemical Show Full Answer
It's great that you're thinking ahead while waiting for your next appointment! Vitamin B12 does come up quite a bit in conversations among MyParkinsonsTeam members, so you're not alone in wondering about it.
Vitamin B12 is thought to play a role in both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's. It supports a chemical called acetylcholine, which affects both physical movement and cognitive function. Some researchers believe that low B12 levels may worsen certain symptoms. If you're taking carbidopa/levodopa, there's also a related vitamin worth knowing about — B6. The FDA recently added a warning that carbidopa/levodopa can lower B6 levels over time, particularly at higher doses. Signs of low B6 can include:
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Mood changes or confusion
This doesn't mean stopping medication — it just means it's worth discussing with your neurologist. Since your appointment isn't until late November, it might be worth calling the office to clarify what your neurologist recommended about B12 — or to ask if your B6 levels should be checked too. It's always best to confirm before starting any supplement, as levels and needs vary from person to person.
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