[Treatment with levodopa can affect latent vitamin B 12 and folic acid deficiency. Patients with Parkinson disease runt the risk of elevated homocysteine levels].
There is a well-known interaction between vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine. More unknown is the fact that this interaction might be affected by long-term treatment with levo-dopa in patients with Parkinson's disease. An increase in homocysteine levels and tissue deficiency of vitamin B12 and folate may occur. The responsible doctor should be liberal in checking vitamin B12 and folate status and supplement with appropriate vitamins when needed.
Lökk
Johan
J
Geriatriska kliniken/NEUROTEC-institutionen, sektionen för geriatrik, Karolinska institutet, Huddinge Universitetssjukhus, Stockholm. johan.lokk@hs.se
D000818:Animals; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier; D005494:Folic Acid Deficiency / Q000097:blood* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000097:blood* / Q000517:prevention & control
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D006710:Homocysteine; D007980:Levodopa