ALSUntangled #62: vitamin C

Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2022 Aug;23(5-6):476-479. doi: 10.1080/21678421.2021.1946088. Epub 2021 Jun 30.

Abstract

Vitamin C is one of the most common supplements taken by people with ALS. As an antioxidant, it has a plausible mechanism for slowing disease progression and there are some flawed pre-clinical studies and case reports suggesting benefit. However, a small human trial showed no benefit. Given this negative trial, we do not currently advise vitamin C as an ALS treatment.

Keywords: Vitamin C; acorbic acid; ascorbate; clinical trials; models; therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / drug therapy
  • Ascorbic Acid* / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitamins* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Ascorbic Acid