Mitochondria are known as the energy powerhouses of cells. They use glucose and fats, combined with oxygen, to produce energy. This process generates a steady stream of oxidative molecules that are normally neutralized by internal antioxidants. In Parkinson's disease, however, the electron chain in the mitochondria is deficient, causing them to produce much higher levels of oxidative molecules. This steady oxidant stress damages mitochondria and eventually kills the host cells. The holy grail of Parkinson's disease research is a neuroprotective agent (one that reduces damage to mitochondria and cells). According to encouraging study results,
CoQ10 may be this promising neuroprotective agent.
Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) increases energy production by channeling fatty acids into mitochondria. It may also limit brain cell injury, thereby improving
memory, motor skills, and possibly other brain functions. ALC also stimulates nerve cells to release dopamine, and it protects dopamine-containing neurons from destruction in animal models with Parkinson's disease.
It's also important to support healthy levels of glutathione, the main mitochondrial antioxidant. Parkinson's disease is characterized by a substantial depletion of mitochondrial glutathione, which further increases oxidative stress, decreases the electron chain transport activity and adenosine triphosphate production, and contributes to cell death.
Dopamine synthesis requires
vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and its cofactor
zinc, which should be provided in high amounts to overcome long-term deficiency symptoms and to stimulate dopamine production.
Vitamin B6 decreased cramps, rigidity, and tremors, and also improved walking skills and bladder control.
Niacinamide (nicotinamide) enhances mitochondrial energy production and may help protect mitochondria from damage by toxins. A substance derived from nicotinamide, called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), is essential for cell development and energy production.. The benefits of NADH in Parkinson's disease may result from its ability to reduce inflammation within the brain and from its effect on the
immune system.
Deficiency of the B vitamin folate may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease by elevating levels of homocysteine, which makes dopamine-containing neurons more vulnerable to environmental toxins.
Abnormalities in riboflavin (vitamin B2) in Parkinson's disease may be associated with glutathione depletion, mitochondrial DNA mutations, disturbed mitochondrial protein complexes, and abnormal iron metabolism. In one small study of patients with Parkinson's disease, all of whom had abnormally low riboflavin levels, daily supplements of 90 mg of riboflavin and elimination of red meat from the diet led to improvement in motor function with minimal adverse effects.
Phosphatidylserine (PS), a naturally occurring component found in every cell membrane of the body, appears to reduce oxidative stress.Brain levels of PS typically decline with age, suggesting that supplementation might improve neural function, help maintain cell membrane integrity, and protect brain cells.
Lecithin, which contains all the phosphatides found naturally in cell membranes, helps to increase the cell membrane ratio of phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine to cholesterol. This maintains cell membrane structure while increasing cell membrane fluidity.