Vitamins as Modulators of Neurodegenerative Disease Pathways: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives.
This review synthesizes evidence that selected vitamins influence oxidative stress, inflammation, protein aggregation, neurotransmitter synthesis, and mitochondrial function—and may synergize with coenzyme Q10 to provide neuroprotective benefits across neurodegenerative diseases, including…
What the AI sees
This review synthesizes evidence that selected vitamins influence oxidative stress, inflammation, protein aggregation, neurotransmitter synthesis, and mitochondrial function—and may synergize with coenzyme Q10 to provide neuroprotective benefits across neurodegenerative diseases, including…
Research significance
By linking clear mechanistic pathways (oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, protein aggregation) with therapeutic dosing and safety considerations, the paper supports prioritized, hypothesis-driven evaluation of vitamin-based adjunctive strategies and potential…
Source abstract
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.