ALSUntangled #78: Zinc. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2025 Aug;26(5-6):599-603
Date
03/14/2025Pubmed ID
40084393DOI
10.1080/21678421.2025.2476688Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105000321553 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)Abstract
ALSUntangled reviews alternative and off-label treatments for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PALS). In this review, we assess the utilization of dietary zinc supplements for modulating ALS pathology and progression. Studies in mouse models of ALS have demonstrated that high-dose zinc supplementation may be harmful, but moderate doses could potentially be beneficial. Clinical data is limited, and only one trial has explored zinc supplementation within PALS. This study reported potential benefits in slowing ALS progression but lacked statistical analyses and failed to report quantitative evidence. Numerous case reports from individual patients at varying doses have demonstrated no benefit. Zinc supplements at moderate doses are generally low cost and not associated with severe complications, but further research is required to determine the safety and efficacy of zinc supplementation within PALS. Therefore, we cannot at this time, endorse zinc supplementation to slow ALS progression.
Author List
Helmold B, Nathaniel G, Barkhaus P, Bertorini T, Bromberg M, Brown A, Carter GT, Chang V, Crayle J, Denson K, Glass J, Heiman-Patterson T, Hobson E, Jackson C, Jhooty S, Mallon E, Maragakis N, Cadavid JM, Mcdermott C, Pattee G, Pierce K, Wang O, Wicks P, Bedlack RAuthor
Paul E. Barkhaus MD Adjunct Professor in the Neurology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Amyotrophic Lateral SclerosisAnimals
Dietary Supplements
Disease Progression
Humans
Zinc
