Vitamin C deficiency and Parkinson's disease

Nutrition Research Newsletter, Nov-Dec, 1992

In an observational study conducted by the Bury Health Authority in Lancashire, 100 elderly people (aged 61-98 years) entering residential homes were screened for signs of early Parkinson's disease and for subclinical vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C deficiency was detected by examination of the patient for the characteristic "corkscrew" body hairs typically seen in individuals with low vitamin C status.

Of the 100 elderly subjects, eight had early Parkinson's disease; in six of the eight cases, the disease had not been previously diagnosed. Seven subjects showed evidence of vitamin C deficiency; four of these seven had Parkinson's disease. Of the 93 without evidence of vitamin C deficiency, only four had Parkinson's disease. The prevalence of Parkinson's disease was significantly higher in subjects with vitamin C deficiency than in those who were not deficient.

It is not known whether the occurrence of vitamin C deficiency in patients with Parkinson's disease is related to the disease process or whether it is a secondary phenomenon attributable to disability and resulting poorer nutrition. There is, however, evidence from other sources that the strong antioxidant properties of vitamin C may protect nerve cells against damage. It might therefore be beneficial to screen elderly people routinely for vitamin C deficiency (possibly by the simple method of examining the patient for "corkscrew" hairS). Any deficiencies discovered in this way should be corrected by vitamin C therapy.

SC Senarath Yapa, Detection of Subclinical Ascotbate Deficiency in Early Parkinson's Disease, Public Health 106(5):393-395 (Sept 1992) [Correspondence: SC Senamth Yapa, Principal Clinical Medical Officer, Bury Health Authority, 21 Silver Street, Bury, Lanes BL90EN, UK]