Summary This study examined 5 earlier studies and investigated whether vitamin E intake was associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The researchers found that long-term vitamin E supplement use was associated with lower ALS rates and concluded that a possible protective effect of vitamin E in this disease deserves further consideration. Further details can be…
Summary This study examined whether individuals who regularly use supplements of the antioxidant vitamins E and C have a lower risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) than nonusers. The study followed 957,740 individuals 30 years of age or older. Regular use of vitamin E supplements was associated with a lower risk of dying of ALS.…
Summary This case-control study examined blood levels of trace metals in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The researchers found that selenium and zinc were inversely associated with ALS, particularly among patients with worse function, suggesting that supplementation with these nutrients may benefit such patients. Further details can be found in the study. References Tracy L Peters, John…
Summary This study summarizes clinical trials of ultra-high-dose vitamin B12 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The researchers state that patients given the methylcobalamin form of vitamin B12 at a dose of 50 mg/day via a twice weekly intramuscular injection had a significantly longer survival time, or period to become respirator-bound, than those who didn’t receive…
Summary This study examined the association between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid intake in the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Based on an analysis of over 1 million patients who had taken part in 5 other studies, the researchers concluded that consumption of foods high in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent or delay…
Summary This double-blind trial compared the effects of the methylcobalamin form of vitamin B12 on muscle function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients when given intramuscularly in ultrahigh-dose (25 mg/day) and low-dose (0.5 mg/day) for 14 days. The researchers found that ultrahigh-dose intramuscular injection of methylcobalamin may provide a clinically useful measure to improve or…
Summary This study found statistically significant decreased cerebrospinal fluid and serum levels of copper in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients compared to the control group. The researchers concluded that their findings indicate an essential trace element imbalance in ALS. Further details can be found in the study. References S A Sheweita, B Y Sheikh Link…
Summary This study investigated the relationship between dietary intake of vegetables, fruit, and antioxidants and the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Its findings suggest that higher intake of food rich in antioxidants such as fruit and vegetables confer protection against the development of ALS. Further details can be found in the study. References Sheweita…
Summary This case report summarizes the case of a 49-year-old male patient suffering from a variant of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), who was diagnosed after extensive examinations ruling out other diseases. The patient received treatments that included the restoration of his teeth due to supposed mercury exposure from residual amalgam, as well as supplements such…
Summary This study assessed the bone health of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and found that the serum concentration of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D form of vitamin D was significantly lower in patients than in controls. Dietary intake of vitamin D was below the recommended level in 10 of the 11 ALS patients studied. Further…
Summary This study was based on a food-frequency questionnaire and assessed whether dietary intake of fatty acids, cholesterol, glutamate or antioxidants was associated with the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The researchers concluded that a high intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E is associated with a 50-60% decreased risk of developing…
Summary This study investigated the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by analyzing 5 studies involving a total of over 1.1 million participants. The researchers found that consumption of foods high in carotenoids may help prevent or delay onset of ALS. Further details can be found in the study. References Fitzgerald et al. Link…
Summary This study assessed the safety and tolerability of high doses of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). CoQ10 may improve the mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS. The researchers found that CoQ10 was safe and well tolerated in 31 patients treated with doses as high as 3,000 mg/day for 8 months. Further details can…
Summary This study reports that a severe vitamin D deficiency in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients accelerates the rate of decline by 4 times and is associated with a marked shorter life expectancy. The researchers say their findings support a neuroprotective function of vitamin D on motoneurons and propose vitamin D as a reliable prognostic…
Summary This study analyzed the link between familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS), a common degenerative disease of the motor neuron system, and folic acid (FA). Mutations of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD1) are involved in the development of this disease. Using a mice model, the present study demonstrated that SOD1 alteration leads to an increase…