Are you at risk for neurogenerative diseases in your senior years?

Can Gut Disorders and Vitamin Deficiencies Predict Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s?

Can Gut Disorders and Vitamin Deficiencies Predict Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s?

By Megan Grant
Scientifically reviewed by: Michael A. Smith, MD

At a Glance

  • A recent study found that specific nutritional and digestive system disorders are associated with a greater risk of developing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
  • The findings suggest that gut problems and low vitamin D levels may be associated with neurological health.
  • Healthy lifestyle habits and proper nutrition can play a neuroprotective role.

Research has long pointed to the gut-brain axis—a bidirectional relationship between your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and central nervous system (CNS)—as a key factor that influences your health in countless ways. Now, new findings show that a disruption in this communication may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's.

In a recent study, researchers calculated the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease relative to the diagnoses of certain disorders. They studied 155 diseases and found that 13 were associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease—including diabetes, colitis, and vitamin D deficiencies—while seven (including dyspepsia) were associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. There was also an overlap: some diagnoses, such as diabetes, were associated with both neurodegenerative diseases, even when they'd been diagnosed 10 to 15 years before the onset of Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's.

The findings suggest that problems with the gut, as well as low vitamin levels (like a vitamin D deficiency), may be associated with neurodegenerative disorders.

GI 360 Stool Analysis Fecal Test

What is the gut-brain axis, and how does it impact neurodegeneration?

The gut-brain axis refers to the two-way communication between the GI tract and the central nervous system (CNS). These "conversations" are happening among the brain cells and the digestive tract and the endocrine and metabolic systems. So this is why your nutritional status can influence your neurological status.

How the disruption of the gut-brain axis contributes to neurodegeneration is still being researched, but scientists have a few theories. For example, when the "bad" gut bacteria outnumber the gut-friendly bacteria (dysbiosis in the gut), it could be associated with an increase in a type of bacteria that may contribute to neuroinflammation, an inflammatory response in the CNS that can lead to changes in the structure and function of proteins. When proteins "misfold," they can build up in the brain's tissue (a process known as proteinopathy), which has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

Another theory is that dysbiosis can negatively affect the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, which protects brain cells, among other things. A vitamin D deficiency may also be a significant factor in poor brain health.

The recent study highlighted how disruptions to the gut-brain axis are associated with various factors and conditions, including digestive disorders, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic alterations, and endocrine pathway dysfunctions. All of this means that the impact of gut disorders and low vitamin levels, such as a vitamin D deficiency, reaches much further than the gut.

How does IBS increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson's?

Gut function is intricately linked to neurological activity, which is why irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) might increase the risk of experiencing a neurologic condition like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

That's because IBS is associated with inflammation and gut microbiome imbalances (dysbiosis). Imbalances in your gut microbiome can contribute to neurodegeneration via the gut-brain axis, increasing the potential for neurological disorders. Think about it this way: the gut has its own nervous system, and it contains the second-largest collection of neurons, after the brain. So when something's off kilter in the gut, it makes sense that there could be ramifications for the brain.

Can low vitamin D really affect brain health?

Yes! Vitamins play a crucial role in protecting brain cells and their activity, and vitamin D levels are of utmost importance. Low levels of vitamin D, and especially a vitamin D deficiency—which is generally considered less than 20 ng/mL—can affect brain health and lead to increased signs of neurological aging.

One reason: vitamin D is a huge factor in many bodily processes, including the release of dopamine and the regulation of epinephrine and norepinephrine levels.

In addition, vitamin D is associated with levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neuropeptide that plays a key role in neuroplasticity, and vitamin D supplementation can potentially support healthy BDNF levels. So, a vitamin D deficiency can have severe consequences for neurological performance and may even be associated with other neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis, a relationship that has been thoroughly studied.

Even if an individual has already been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or another neurologic condition, research shows that improving vitamin D levels may be associated with better neurological function. In individuals already diagnosed, those with the highest vitamin D levels displayed normal cognition.

Clearly, getting enough vitamin D from sun exposure, diet, and supplementation is crucial. Generally, vitamin D comes from a few main sources: plant foods (mushrooms) provide vitamin D2, which your body converts to vitamin D3. Fortified foods and animal products like eggs, salmon, and beef liver are excellent sources of vitamin D3. Your body also produces vitamin D3 when you spend time in the sun.

Beyond Vitamin D: Other Vitamins That Might Be Neuroprotective

Vitamin D is not the only vitamin found to play a neuroprotective role. Other low vitamin levels linked to Alzheimer's include vitamins A, B12, C, and E, as well as folate (also known as vitamin B9). Research has found that Alzheimer's disease patients, compared with healthy controls, had significantly lower levels of these vitamins. Specifically, increasing vitamins A, C, and E reduced the risk of brain degeneration by decreasing oxidative stress.

There is also a relationship between vitamin K and Alzheimer's. Vitamin K can protect nerve cells from undesirable substances in the brain.

What lab tests show GI issues and vitamin deficiencies?

A fecal test is the most accurate way to assess gut health. We know, "ew," but it is necessary for detecting microbial diversity, which means checking for gut imbalances (dysbiosis). A fecal test can also provide insight into digestion and absorption, inflammation, and immune response.

Additionally, nutrient blood panel tests can help determine if you're getting enough—and absorbing enough—of significant nutrients like vitamin D. Remember, your body needs to be able to use these vitamins and nutrients. In other words, even if you are getting enough vitamin D and other important nutrients, it won't make a difference if there's something inhibiting your cells from making use of the foods you eat.

How can lifestyle and supplementation reduce neurodegenerative risk?

Maintaining your brain health is a multi-dimensional effort. Here are lifestyle tips for keeping your mind (and the rest of you!) sharp and nimble as you age.

  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

    Everything starts with nutrition. In particular, the Mediterranean diet may be associated with better neurological health because it helps modulate gut microbiota, which play a neuroprotective role. Remember to "eat the rainbow" and get a variety of colors on your plate, including wild-caught fatty fish, a variety of fruits and veggies, and complex carbs that provide fiber.

  • Move your body.

    Physical activity can improve cognitive health outcomes. Bonus points if you can get outdoors so your body can produce more vitamin D. Physical activity doesn't mean you have to deadlift hundreds of pounds in the gym. Even a brisk walk that gets you out of breath can work wonders.

  • Keep your brain active.

    Think chess, playing an instrument, doing sudoku, or learning a foreign language. Work your brain cells and neurons by giving your brain a task that challenges it.

  • Maintain social connections.

    Share meals with loved ones; catch up with your neighbors or grab coffee with a friend! Even if you're an introvert, being at least a little social is important.

  • Get enough quality sleep.

    Avoiding circadian disruption and various sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, is important in reducing your risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Be mindful of your "sleep hygiene." Stick to a bedtime routine, cut all digital activity at least an hour in advance, and be aware of the temperature of your room, which is one factor in how well you sleep.

  • Find healthy ways to manage stress.

    Journaling, meditation, breathwork, and yoga are all excellent stress management techniques that can slow aging and, in general, have a significant impact on your overall wellness.

  • Go beyond the regular blood work.

    Annual lab tests are a proactive way to understand the inner workings of your body and give you an opportunity to address any imbalances or vitamin D insufficiencies before they develop into a health concern. In addition, specialized lab tests, like a cheek-swab test, can help identify gene variations associated with Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease.

  • Consider taking cognitive support supplements.

    Omega-3 fatty acids are important to support cell membrane fluidity, a healthy inflammatory response, and blood flow in the brain. B vitamins can help to slow age-related neurological decline, especially when used early and often. Addressing a vitamin D deficiency with supplementation may support mood and cognition.

  • Practice gratitude.

    A grateful mind means a healthy noggin (and you). Seriously, studies show that practicing gratitude daily rewires the brain, making you more adept at regulating emotions, releasing resentment and developing a more positive outlook on life, which has been shown to combat age-related neurological decline.

Practicing a healthy lifestyle with the right nutrition isn't just about decreasing your risk of Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease and slowing down the aging process. It's about supporting whole-body health—with a special focus on gut and brain balance—as you age.

Remember the gut-brain axis we spoke of earlier? It's composed of neural pathways, hormonal signaling, and immune function mechanisms. This is why positive changes you make to your lifestyle can have a ripple effect on so many aspects of your health.

Key Takeaways

  • A disruption in the gut-brain axis can increase the risk for various health concerns, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
  • Gut imbalances like IBS also increase the risk for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
  • Maintaining a healthy nutritional status is key. Low vitamin D levels can take a toll on brain health.
  • Nutrition and lifestyle habits directly impact neurological health and performance.

References

About Our Story Sources

The Life Extension Health News team delivers accurate information about vitamins, nutrition and aging. Our stories rely on multiple, authoritative sources and experts. We keep our content accurate and trustworthy, by submitting it to a medical reviewer.

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