The first time I tried vitamin B1 (thiamine) therapy, it didn’t go well. I wasn’t prepared, I wasn’t ready, and I failed miserably.
Hi, it’s David from Life With Parkinson’s. If you’re new here — welcome. Consider subscribing to follow this journey. And to everyone returning, thank you for your ongoing support.
This post documents my second round of high-dose vitamin B1 therapy, also called megadose thiamine therapy, and I’ll share monthly updates as I continue. I hope my experience can provide insight for people with Parkinson’s (PWP) curious about alternative approaches to symptom management.
Why I Considered Thiamine Therapy
For many with Parkinson’s, the thought of deep brain stimulation (DBS) eventually comes up. DBS can be effective, but it has limitations:
- A high-quality DBS can last up to 10 years, but some patients experience reduced benefit after 5–7 years.
- Some people develop walking, speech, or balance difficulties after several years.
- The procedure often requires being awake for hours during surgery (especially in the STN approach commonly used in Canada).
Personally, I wanted to explore other options first. Age, surgical risks, fear of needles, and the desire to preserve future treatment possibilities all played a role.
Enter thiamine therapy — a non-invasive approach focused on improving energy metabolism and mitochondrial function.
What Is Thiamine Therapy?
Vitamin B1, or thiamine, is water-soluble and crucial for energy production. It helps convert glucose into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of our cells.
In Parkinson’s, chronic fatigue and low energy are common. One contributing factor is mitochondrial dysfunction, which reduces ATP production. High-dose thiamine therapy floods the system with vitamin B1, helping cells overcome deficiencies and restoring energy delivery.
Key points about megadose thiamine therapy:
- Doses are far above the standard daily recommendation, but because thiamine is water-soluble, excess is excreted in urine.
- It forces thiamine into cells that may be deficient.
- Patients often experience a paradoxical reaction, feeling worse for a few days before improvements appear.
This therapy has been explored by researchers like Dr. Antonio Constantini, Elliot Overton, and Daphne Bryan. While more formal clinical trials are needed, anecdotal evidence suggests improvements in energy, focus, and motor function.
Preparing for Thiamine Therapy
For my second round, preparation was key. I worked with an independent Parkinson’s researcher and made significant lifestyle adjustments:
- Dietary Changes
- Eliminated gluten and other irritants.
- Adopted a plant-based diet to optimize digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Medication Timing
- Thiamine and Parkinson’s medications like L-dopa cannot overlap with protein intake, so scheduling meals and doses is crucial.
- Supplements
- Additional B-complex vitamins and magnesium were included to support overall energy metabolism.
- Monitoring & Journaling
- I track doses, symptoms, and reactions in a journal.
- Using powdered thiamine helps maintain a consistent, high dose without relying on limited capsule supplies.
What to Expect: Paradoxical Effects
One thing I didn’t anticipate the first time was the paradoxical reaction — feeling worse before improvements appear.
- For me, this lasted four days and was intense enough to cause concern.
- By day five, I began noticing improvements in energy and alertness.
This reaction is normal and indicates the body is adjusting to high doses of thiamine. Jumping straight to the target dose (around 3 grams per day for me) is not recommended — gradual escalation is safer and more comfortable.
My First Month of Results
After 28 days, I noticed significant changes:
- Energy: I can now stay up later (9:00–9:30 PM), something I hadn’t done in a long time.
- Reduced “off” periods: Daytime symptom-free periods increased, giving me a greater sense of safety and independence.
- Mental clarity: My thinking feels sharper and more organized.
- Physical presence: My wife noticed that my facial expression looked more “normal,” reflecting improved energy and vitality.
These changes align with what is known about thiamine’s role in mitochondrial function and ATP production, which are often compromised in Parkinson’s.
General Information About Thiamine and Parkinson’s
- Thiamine deficiency is linked to fatigue, neurological issues, and impaired nerve signaling.
- Supplementation may support mitochondrial energy production, which is often reduced in Parkinson’s.
- High-dose thiamine therapy is considered safe due to its water-soluble nature, but anyone considering it should consult a healthcare provider.
Resources & Further Reading
- Dr. Antonio Constantini: Pioneer in high-dose thiamine therapy for neurological conditions.
- Elliot Overton: Researcher with informative resources and videos on thiamine therapy.
- Daphne Bryan: Author and PhD researcher with a focus on B1 supplementation.
I’ve also uploaded PDFs with research and protocols for interested readers — links can be found in my resource section below.
Final Thoughts
Megadose thiamine therapy is not a cure for Parkinson’s, but for me, it has become a promising tool for enhancing energy, reducing fatigue, and improving quality of life.
If you’re considering alternative therapies, the key lessons from my journey are:
- Preparation matters: Diet, medication timing, and lifestyle adjustments can influence results.
- Start gradually: Avoid jumping straight to high doses.
- Monitor carefully: Journaling and symptom tracking help optimize dosing.
- Consult professionals: Work with your neurologist or a healthcare provider before starting megadose therapy.
Thank you for following this journey. Your support — through likes, shares, comments, and subscriptions — helps me continue exploring these therapies and sharing insights with the Parkinson’s community.
Stay tuned for next month’s update, where I’ll share how my energy, motor function, and overall well-being evolve with ongoing thiamine therapy.
Medical Disclaimer
I am not a doctor, and this post is not medical advice. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only.
High-dose vitamin B1 (thiamine) therapy is an experimental approach and may not be suitable for everyone. If you are considering trying this therapy, please consult with your neurologist, healthcare provider, or a qualified medical professional before starting.
Individual responses to thiamine therapy can vary, and what works for one person with Parkinson’s may not work for another. Always monitor your symptoms and stop or adjust treatment if you experience adverse effects.
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A Note for Caregivers
Caring for someone with Parkinson’s is challenging, and exploring alternative therapies like thiamine can add complexity. Here are a few tips for caregivers:
- Monitor closely: Track how your loved one responds to therapy, noting energy levels, motor function, and any side effects.
- Support dietary changes: Many therapies, including thiamine, require adjustments like plant-based diets or careful timing of medication.
- Patient presence: Your encouragement, patience, and understanding are invaluable. Energy and mood improvements often require consistent support and reassurance.
- Avoid pressure: Remember, therapy results vary. Allow your loved one to adjust gradually and make decisions at their own pace.
Your role is crucial in ensuring safety, consistency, and emotional support during experimental or high-dose therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is thiamine therapy and how does it help Parkinson’s?
A: Thiamine (vitamin B1) therapy involves high-dose supplementation, often well above the standard daily recommendation. It supports mitochondrial function and ATP production, which may help reduce fatigue and improve energy levels in people with Parkinson’s.
Q2: Is high-dose thiamine safe?
A: Thiamine is water-soluble, so excess amounts are typically excreted in urine. However, individual tolerance varies, and it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting high-dose therapy.
Q3: What is the “paradoxical reaction”?
A: Some people experience feeling worse for a few days when starting high-dose thiamine. This is temporary and indicates the body is adjusting. Gradual dosage increases help minimize discomfort.
Q4: How should thiamine be taken with Parkinson’s medication?
A: Thiamine should not overlap with protein intake or certain Parkinson’s medications like L-dopa. Scheduling doses carefully is crucial for absorption and effectiveness.
Q5: Can thiamine therapy cure Parkinson’s?
A: No. Thiamine therapy is not a cure. It is an experimental approach aimed at improving energy, focus, and quality of life. Results vary among individuals.
Q6: Where can I learn more about thiamine therapy?
A: Resources include the work of Dr. Antonio Constantini, Elliot Overton, Daphne Bryan, and other independent Parkinson’s researchers. PDFs and links are often provided by advocates documenting personal experiences like this one.
