Ascorbate- and zinc-responsive parkinsonism.
Ann Pharmacother. 2014 Nov ;48(11):1515-20. Epub 2014 Jul 28. PMID: 25070397
Martha J Quiroga
OBJECTIVE: To report a case of Parkinsonism rapidly responsive to intravenous replacement of vitamin C and zinc.
CASE SUMMARY: A 66-year-old man with Parkinsonism, pleural effusion, and bipolar disorder was found to have low serum vitamin C and zinc levels. Intravenous replacement of these micronutrients led to resolution of the movement disorder in less than 24 hours.
DISCUSSION: Parkinsonism has been associated with vitamin C deficiency, and recent cases of scurvy complicated by Parkinsonism have responded well to intravenous replacement of vitamin C. In this case, deficiency of zinc may have contributed to the development of a movement disorder. The likely pathophysiology of, and treatment recommendations for, Parkinsonism linked to deficiencies of vitamin C and zinc are reviewed.
CONCLUSIONS: Whereas vitamin C has a strong link with Parkinsonism, the potential role of zinc has only been suspected. This case report highlights some of the potential links between zinc deficiency and Parkinsonism.