Introduction:
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition that advances over time to damage brain areas that control movement, balance, and coordination. The brain substance, the substantia nigra loses its dopamine-producing neurons, which causes Parkinson’s disease. The current treatments for Parkinson’s disease, including Levodopa and dopamine agonists, help control symptoms, but they fail to prevent disease advancement.
Recent Studies have investigated high-dose thiamine (vitamin B1) as a potential therapeutic approach to enhance neuronal function and energy metabolism in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
What Is Thiamine (Vitamin B1)?
Thiamine is a water-soluble B vitamin critical for brain and nerve health. It plays a key role in:
- Glucose metabolism and ATP (energy) production
- Nerve signal transmission
- Mitochondrial function
- Protection against oxidative stress
Research has shown that patients with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Wernicke’s encephalopathy all have low thiamine levels in their bodies. The discovery of thiamine deficiency links to mitochondrial energy production problems, which lead to the death of dopaminergic neurons.
- May improve motor symptoms and fatigue
- Supports mitochondrial and dopamine function
- Generally safe at clinical doses under supervision
- Further studies needed to confirm long-term benefits
How High-Dose Thiamine May Benefit Parkinson’s Disease
Preliminary clinical trials and case studies indicate that high-dose thiamine supplementation can improve both motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s patients.
The treatment leads to decreased tremors and rigidity and slower outcomes for Parkinson’s patients regarding their motor and non-motor symptoms.
Key reported benefits include:
- Reduced tremor, rigidity, and slowness of movement
- Improved balance and coordination skills.
- Increased energy and reduced fatigue
- Improved mood and cognitive function
A notable clinical study, published in Neural Regeneration Research (Costantini & Fancellu, 2016), demonstrated that patients with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease achieved better motor control and daily function after receiving 100 mg of intramuscular thiamine twice weekly.
Reference: High-dose thiamine as initial therapy in Parkinson’s disease (Neural Regeneration Research, 2016)
NOW Foods Supplements, Vitamin B-1 100 mg, Energy Production*, Nervous System Health*, 100 Tablets
$5.20 ($0.05 / count)
Vitamin B-1, also known as thiamin, is a member of the B-vitamin family that is naturally found in cereal grains, beans, nuts, eggs, and meats
Thiamin is involved in numerous body functions, including nervous system and muscle functioning*
Necessary for carbohydrate metabolism and the production of hydrochloric acid, which is necessary for proper digestion*
Take 1 tablet daily with a meal
Packaged in the USA by a family owned and operated company since 1968
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
Scientists continue to study thiamine’s neuroprotective effects, suggesting multiple mechanisms by which this compound protects brain cells.
| Mechanism | Description |
|---|---|
| Mitochondrial Support | Thiamine is a cofactor for enzymes involved in energy metabolism (PDH, α-KGDH, transketolase). Supplementation may restore cellular ATP production. |
| Neuronal Protection | May prevent oxidative damage to dopaminergic neurons by reducing free radicals. |
| Improved Dopamine Synthesis | Supports enzymatic activity needed for dopamine production. |
| Anti-inflammatory Action | May help modulate neuroinflammation within the substantia nigra. |
Safety and Dosage Considerations
High-dose thiamine is generally well-tolerated. Commonly reported side effects are mild and transient, such as:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Stomach discomfort
Typical clinical doses:
- Oral: 100–300 mg/day
- Intramuscular: 100 mg 1–2 times per week (used in studies under physician supervision)
⚠️ Always consult a neurologist or integrative physician before initiating high-dose vitamin B1 therapy, especially if you are on dopaminergic medication.
Related Reading
- Bioavailability of Magnesium Threonate, Glycinate, and Citrate
- Nicotinamide Riboside for Cellular Energy Metabolism & Repair
- Apigenin: A Natural Remedy With Anxiety, Sleep, and Antioxidant Benefits
Supporting Research and References
Costantini, A., & Fancellu, R. (2016). High-dose thiamine as initial therapy in Parkinson’s disease. Neural Regeneration Research.
Costantini, A., & Pala, M. I. (2014). Thiamine and neurodegenerative diseases: An open-label pilot study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
U.S. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Thiamine Fact Sheet.
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Emerging vitamin-based interventions.
Affiliate Disclosure
This website contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the content we create and maintain. We only recommend products and services we believe add genuine value to our readers.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content is not reviewed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, or lifestyle.