....but a monkey would not have a B-deficiency, now would he. And remember that they warn us away from some Bs since it might interfere with our sinemet.


1. Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr. 2007 Sep;75(9):515-27.

[Review of the role of hyperhomocysteinemia and B-vitamin deficiency in
neurological and psychiatric disorders--current evidence and preliminary
recommendations].

[Article in German]

Herrmann W, Lorenzl S, Obeid R.

Institut für Klinische Chemie und Laboratoriumsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum des
Saarlandes, Kirrberger Strasse, Gebaude 57, 66421 Homburg.
prof.wolfgang.herrmann@uni-klinikum-saarland.de

Elevated concentration of total homocysteine (Hcy) in plasma (> 12 micromol/l) is
a risk factor for several diseases of the central nervous system. Epidemiological
studies have shown a dose-dependent relationship between concentrations of Hcy
and the risk for neurodegenerative diseases. Hcy is a marker for B-vitamin
deficiency (folate, B12, B6). Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) causes hypomethylation
which is an important mechanism that links Hcy to dementia. Supplementation with
vitamins B aims at reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Current
evidence suggests that Hcy-lowering treatment has a positive effect for the
secondary and primary prevention of stroke. HHcy is very common in patients with
Parkinson disease particularly those who receive L-dopa treatment. Furthermore, a
positive association has been reported between HHcy and multiple sclerosis.
Moreover, HHcy and vitamin B deficiency are reported to have a causal role in
depression, and epilepsy. In addition several anti-epileptic drugs cause
secondary HHcy. Therefore, sufficient intakes of the vitamins are recommended for
patients who have already developed neuropsychiatric diseases. Vitamin B
deficiency should be suspected in children with development disorders, failure to
thrive and unexplained neurological manifestations. Elderly people are also an
important at-risk group where vitamin B deficiency and HHcy have been linked to
neurodegenerative diseases. Treatment with folate, B12, and B6 can improve
cerebral function. Preventive vitamin B supplementation and sufficient intake
seem very important for secondary and primary prevention of neuropsychiatric
disorders, especially in subjects with a low intake or status of the vitamins.

PMID: 17729191 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]