Gut bacteria link to Parkinson's, sparking microbiome-based therapy hopes

New studies connect Parkinson's progression to gut microbiome disruptions, notably fewer bacteria that produce B vitamins riboflavin (B2) and biotin (B7), which may weaken the intestinal barrier and fuel brain inflammation via alpha-synuclein. Small fecal microbiota transplant trials in Belgium and China show motor and gastrointestinal improvements, with a larger Chinese trial confirming donor transplants can yield meaningful benefits. The findings point to riboflavin/biotin supplementation and gut microbiome modulation as potential therapies, but results require further validation in bigger trials.