Parkinson's and Folic Acid

     One of our family friends for many years was Earl Pearson. Earl suffered with Parkinson's disease. When his physician increased his B Complex from one a day to three per meal his Parkinson's improved dramatically over a period of time.
     One research study showed that mice with low folic acid intake and high homocysteine levels were susceptible to Parkinson-like damage to the brain when exposed to a chemical known to be associated with the disease. Mice with adequate folic acid intake were protected.
Reference:
WenzhenDuan, Bruce Ladenheim, Roy G. Cutler, Inna I. Kruman, Jean LudCadet and Mark P. Mattson, "Dietary folate deficiency and elevated homocysteine levels endanger dopaminergic neurons in models of Parkinson's disease," Journal of Neurochemistry, Vol. 80, No. 1, January 2002 101-110

Blood Clots in the Veins

    Traveling long distances during the summer or fall? Long flights or auto trips are known to increase the likelihood of blood clots in the veins which can result in death.
    A recent study found the B Complex vitamins protect against venous thrombosis. Vitamin B6 was most protective, but vitamin B12 and folic acid also appeared to be protective. These particular nutrients work to prevent the accumulation of homocysteine in the blood. This compound is a powerful free radical and has been associated with increased risk for heart disease. GNLD developed the Lipotropic Adjunct to aid the body in the utilization of fat, but also to reduce risk of accumulation of homocysteine.
Reference:
Zhou K, Zhao R, et al, Association between B-group vitamins and venous thrombosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies, J Thromb Thrombolysis, 2012 Jun 29; [Epub ahead of print].