Updated Review
Published: November 15, 2021
since our review was published, we found no new reports of this supplement being used in people with ALS. We did find a new randomized, blinded, placebo controlled trial in 38 athletes which raised questions about Protandim's antioxidant ability; as a result we change our Mechanisms grade from A to B (ex.PLoS One.2016; 11(8): e0160559). In this same study, headaches, dizzingess and gastrointestinal side effects were noted in at least 25% of those taking Protandim. This warrants a change in our Risks grade from B to C. Our conclusion remains unchanged: we hope to see a pilot trial of Protandim in people with ALS.
Key Information
Click on any letter grade below for more info:
Mechanism Grade: B
Preclinical Trials Grade: U
Cases Grade: C
Trials Grade: U
Risks Grade: C
Published: Sep 2015
Protandim appears reasonably safe and inexpensive, has a promising mechanism by which it could help ALS, and there is a patient with a validated ALS diagnosis whose ALSFRS-R score improved on it. There are significant problems with the data described, including small study sample sizes, failure to demonstrate that Protandim increases Nrf2 in humans, failure to establish an optimal dose, and potential conflicts of interest among several of the key individuals involved. Nonetheless, in our opinion, further study of Protandim in ALS appears warranted.
Declaration of interest: ALSUntangled is sponsored by the ALS Association and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
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