Low vitamin D levels linked to Parkinson’s, researchers reveal

Researchers have claimed that having low vitamin D levels could be linked to a risk of developing Parkinson’s later in life.

The Archives of Neurology study of around 3,000 people revealed that those with a low level of the vitamin were three times more likely to develop the neurodegenerative condition.

Marian Evatt, assistant professor of neurology at Emory University School of Medicine and director of the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s Movement Disorders Clinic, authored the report, stating that it corroborates a link between low vitamin D and Parkinson’s suggested by prior research.

“Vitamin D may help protect the population of neurons gradually lost by people with Parkinson’s disease,” she said

Dr Kieran Breen, director of research at Parkinson’s UK, stated that the study data indicates the effect that certain environmental factors can have on the progression of Parkinson’s.

He added: “Further research is required to find out whether taking a dietary supplement, or increased exposure to sunlight, may have an effect on Parkinson’s.”