Supplements Reduce ALS Risk

Michael A. Smith, MD

One of the most feared diagnoses is Lou Gehrig’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It’s a devastating nerve disease with an insidious onset characterized with muscle weakness or stiffness.

The disease progresses rapidly, eventually causing muscle wasting and paralysis of the limbs and trunk as well as those muscles that control vital functions such as speech, swallowing and breathing.

The cause is unknown and the prognosis is very poor, with a 5-year survival of 20%.¹

Treatment is limited and not very effective. Mostly, patients are given Riluzole, an anti-glutamate drug.

By blocking glutamate, nerve cells are protected from …read more