Nutrients, Vol. 18, Pages 995: Vitamins as Modulators of Neurodegenerative Disease Pathways: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives
Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu18060995
Authors:
Karolina Kwaśniewska
Weronika Fic
Ewelina Polak-Szczybyło
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, currently represent one of the major challenges in contemporary medicine and geriatrics. Progressive degeneration of the nervous system affects not only patients’ physical functioning but also their psychosocial well-being, often leading to social isolation and disruption of interpersonal relationships. These processes are most strongly associated with individuals over 65 years of age, in whom metabolic syndrome is frequently diagnosed and constitutes a significant factor predisposing them to the exacerbation of neuropathological changes. This review analyzes the role of selected vitamins in modulating the course of neurodegenerative disorders, with particular emphasis on their neuroprotective potential. Specific attention is given to their involvement in antioxidant defense mechanisms, regulation of inflammatory pathways, prevention of abnormal protein aggregation, participation in neurotransmitter synthesis, and support of mitochondrial function and cellular energy metabolism. The review also considers key interactions between vitamins and coenzyme Q10, which synergistically enhance neuroprotective mechanisms. Deficiencies in certain vitamins may exacerbate oxidative stress, impair synaptic transmission, and intensify neuroinflammatory responses, thereby contributing to disease progression. The study analyzes the available data on therapeutic doses of vitamins and compares them with the recommended dietary intake and the upper tolerable intake levels (UL). The available evidence suggests that personalized vitamin supplementation, when integrated with a well-balanced and nutrient-dense diet, may constitute a valuable adjunctive therapeutic strategy. Such an approach may help attenuate disease progression, support neuronal integrity, and improve functional outcomes. Ultimately, targeted nutritional interventions may enhance overall well-being and quality of life in patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases.
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, currently represent one of the major challenges in contemporary medicine and geriatrics. Progressive degeneration of the nervous system affects not only patients’ physical functioning but also their psychosocial well-being, often leading to social isolation and disruption of interpersonal relationships. These processes are most strongly associated with individuals over 65 years of age, in whom metabolic syndrome is frequently diagnosed and constitutes a significant factor predisposing them to the exacerbation of neuropathological changes. This review analyzes the role of selected vitamins in modulating the course of neurodegenerative disorders, with particular emphasis on their neuroprotective potential. Specific attention is given to their involvement in antioxidant defense mechanisms, regulation of inflammatory pathways, prevention of abnormal protein aggregation, participation in neurotransmitter synthesis, and support of mitochondrial function and cellular energy metabolism. The review also considers key interactions between vitamins and coenzyme Q10, which synergistically enhance neuroprotective mechanisms. Deficiencies in certain vitamins may exacerbate oxidative stress, impair synaptic transmission, and intensify neuroinflammatory responses, thereby contributing to disease progression. The study analyzes the available data on therapeutic doses of vitamins and compares them with the recommended dietary intake and the upper tolerable intake levels (UL). The available evidence suggests that personalized vitamin supplementation, when integrated with a well-balanced and nutrient-dense diet, may constitute a valuable adjunctive therapeutic strategy. Such an approach may help attenuate disease progression, support neuronal integrity, and improve functional outcomes. Ultimately, targeted nutritional interventions may enhance overall well-being and quality of life in patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Read More