Key Information
ALA has several plausible mechanisms for slowingALS progression, including enhancing energy pro-duction, reducing oxidative stress as a potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation. Preclinical studiesdemonstrated better motor function and improvedsurvival. One open-label study suggested improvedQOL and fatigue when administered as a palla-dium lipoic acid complex, but motor function wasnot assessed. Several PALS in the ALS online community reported improved muscle strengthwhen taking ALA as part of extensive supplementregimens, but most did not. Therefore, it isunclear whether the reported improvement wasdirectly related to ALA. Although one clinical trialwas completed in PALS, the result has not beenpublished. ALA was safe and well-tolerated basedon self-report from PALS and in clinical trials forother disease conditions at 600 mg daily. Given theabove, we cannot endorse ALA as an effectivetherapy for PALS. We support more research onthe efficacy of ALA in slowing ALS progression.