Low B6 Increases Parkinson's Risk

TOKYO—Lower dietary intake of B6 (pyridoxine) is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, according to a new study (Br J Nutr. ePub 26 Mar 2010; DOI:10.1017/S0007114510001005). The Fukuoka Kinki Parkinson’s Disease Study Group explored the association between dietary intake of several B vitamins, including folate, B6, B12 and riboflavin, and risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in a hospital-based case-control study in Japan involving patients diagnosed with PD (n=249) and controls without neurodegenerative diseases (n=368). Subjects completed a validated, semi-quantitative diet questionnaire. After adjustment for potential dietary and non-dietary confounding factors, intake of folate, B12 and riboflavin was not associated with PD risk; however, low intake of B6 was associated with an increased risk (P for trend = 0.10).