Are there any reports or studies on correlation between Huntington's Dis. and B12?

Question

My father is in the early stages of this disease, where it is affecting his balance and driving skills. He takes B12 sublingual and his concentration skills are better, but his Dr. has told him to stop taking the B12. He did, but noticed the confusion was worse and resumed taking them. Does anyone know of where I can look to help him understand why his doctor doesn't want him to take it . Or info I can get to take to doctor to support his use of it. He feels B12 keeps him functioning.

Answer 1

I do not understand the basis for your dad's doc recommending he discontinue his B12 supplements.

I just did a search of Pubmed/Medline on B12 and Huntington's Disease and found no useful scientific articles.

B12 is commonly deficient, especially in people over 50 years of age and in vegetarians. Use of antacids and acid inhibiting drugs is so common today (e.g. Nexium, Prilosec, etc.) and is extensively documented to inhibit B12 digestion/absorption. B12 supplementation is also well documented to have significant cognitive effects in those who are deficient.

Lastly, the literature is very clear about no known side-effects or risks to even extremely high supplemental doses of B12.

So, based on the literature and your dad's positive response to B12 supplements, its seems reasonable for him to continue. You should demand scientific evidence (copies of the scientific studies) from your doctor if he continues to believe his position on this issue is correct. You have the right to challenge his beliefs, and he has the responsibility to scientifically defend them ... or change them!

Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 2

What's Hungtington's Dis?

Answer 3

B 12 is more or less a harmless vitamin, and if your dad thinks that it improves his functioning, then he should continue to take it.