Recent studies show that there may be a new treatment option for people who have specific forms of hereditary early-onset Parkinson’s disease. It’s actually a new twist on an old idea, a version of which doctors have been using for some time to treat cancer patients.
Certain forms of hereditary Parkinson’s are caused by dysfunctional mitochondria. When these powerhouses of the cell stop functioning properly, they amass within the cell and disrupt the flow of energy to the neurons. There is a natural defense mechanism, though.
That mechanism is NAD. It is used to help generate DNA and repair cells. The body naturally turns niacin into NAD. Recently, researchers have used genetically mutated fruit flies to test the increased presence of niacin within the brain. For those who scrupulously read the dietary information on all their foods, niacin is also known as vitamin B3. This vitamin is readily available in many staple foods, including tuna, poultry, beef, and some vegetables.
Researchers at the University of Leicester decided to test the introduction of more niacin in the fruit flies to test how increased niacin boosts NAD production and the flow of energy to neurons in the brain.
When compared to the control group, the flies that received the extra niacin did not lose as many neurons and had fewer dysfunctional mitochondria. The scientists also observed increases in strength, mobility, and lifespan in the flies.
While these findings are encouraging, there is still a long way to go before anything is medically proven. As with any scientific study, the results must be reproducible and independently verified. More tests will need to be conducted with different variables and control groups to ensure the credibility of these initial findings.
With that being said, having a proper diet that supplies adequate vitamins and nutrients has been known for centuries. It is nearly impossible to overdose with diet choices alone. However, people should exercise caution whenever taking over-the-counter supplements.
Everyone should consult with their doctors before taking medications or dietary supplements.
