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.
11 hours ago
Join
Your Privacy Choices
