[Treatment with levodopa can affect latent vitamin B 12 and folic acid deficiency. Patients with Parkinson disease runt the risk of elevated homocysteine levels]

Johan Lökk

[Treatment with levodopa can affect latent vitamin B 12 and folic acid deficiency. Patients with Parkinson disease runt the risk of elevated homocysteine levels]

Lakartidningen. 2003 Aug 28;100(35):2674-7.

[Article in Swedish]

Author

Johan Lökk¹

Affiliation

¹ Geriatriska kliniken/NEUROTEC-institutionen, sektionen för geriatrik, Karolinska institutet, Huddinge Universitetssjukhus, Stockholm. johan.lokk@hs.se

PMID: 14531126

Abstract

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.

Publication types

English Abstract
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Antiparkinson Agents / administration & dosage
Antiparkinson Agents / adverse effects*
Antiparkinson Agents / metabolism
Biomarkers / blood*
Blood-Brain Barrier
Folic Acid Deficiency / blood*
Folic Acid Deficiency / prevention & control
Homocysteine / blood*
Humans
Levodopa / administration & dosage
Levodopa / adverse effects*
Levodopa / metabolism
Parkinson Disease / blood
Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / blood*
Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / prevention & control

Substances

Antiparkinson Agents
Biomarkers
Homocysteine
Levodopa