An 18-month study discovered that people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) who preserved greater levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood demonstrated a slower rate of physical functional decline and a decreased threat of sudden death in comparison to individuals with lower omega-3 levels. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fat plentiful in nuts, seeds, and oils, was particularly prominent in this connection. ALS patients with raised ALA levels exhibited a significantly slower disease progression, with a notable 50% reduction in mortality risk within the research study duration compared to counterparts with lower ALA concentrations.
By Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
July 7, 2023
An 18-month research study discovered that people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) who kept higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood demonstrated a slower rate of physical functional decrease and a minimized threat of premature death in contrast to people with lower omega-3 levels. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid plentiful in seeds, oils, and nuts, was particularly prominent in this connection.” Prior findings from our research study group have revealed that a diet high in ALA and increased blood levels of this fatty acid might decrease the danger of establishing ALS. “These findings, along with our previous research, suggest that this fatty acid might have neuroprotective impacts that could benefit individuals with ALS.”
According to a recent research study sled by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, usage of omega-3 fats, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), might add to decreasing the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
ALA is a nutrition common in foods such as oils, walnuts, and flaxseeds originated from chia, canola, and soybeans.
The research study was just recently released in the journal Neurology.
” Prior findings from our research study group have revealed that a diet plan high in ALA and increased blood levels of this fatty acid might decrease the risk of developing ALS. In this research study, we found that amongst people dealing with ALS, higher blood levels of ALA were likewise related to a slower disease progression and a lower threat of death within the study period,” stated lead author Kjetil Bjornevik, assistant teacher of public health and nutrition. “These findings, in addition to our previous research study, suggest that this fatty acid might have neuroprotective effects that could benefit individuals with ALS.”
The researchers conducted a research study amongst 449 individuals dealing with ALS who took part in a scientific trial. As part of this trial, the seriousness of their signs and the progression of their disease were checked and then scored from 0 to 40, with greater scores suggesting less extreme signs of the illness.
The scientists determined the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in participants blood and put the participants into four groups, from highest to least expensive omega-3 fat levels. They then followed up 18 months later to track the groups physical performance and survival according to the scientific trial.
They discovered that ALA showed the most advantages of all the omega-3 fatty acids, as it was most highly linked to slower decline and decreased threat of death. Of the 126 individuals who passed away within 18 months of the research studys beginning, 33% belonged to the group with the most affordable ALA levels, while 19% came from the group with the highest ALA levels.
Changing for factors like age, sex, ethnicity, BMI, symptom period, and family history of ALS, the scientists computed that individuals with the greatest levels of ALA had a 50% lower threat of death during the research study duration compared to individuals with the most affordable levels of ALA
. 2 extra fats were also related to reductions in threat of death during the study period: eicosapentaenoic acid, another omega-3 fat discovered in fatty fish and fish oil, and linoleic acid, an omega-6 fat found in veggie nuts, seeds, and oils.
” The link our research study discovered between diet plan and ALS is interesting,” said senior author Alberto Ascherio, professor of epidemiology and nutrition. “We are now connecting to clinical private investigators to promote a randomized trial to figure out whether ALA is helpful in individuals with ALS. Obtaining financing will be challenging since ALA is not a patentable drug, but we hope to get it done.”
Referral: “Association of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Clinical Progression in Patients With ALS: Post Hoc Analysis of the EMPOWER Trial” by Kjetil Bjornevik, Marianna Cortese, Jeremy D Furtado, Sabrina Paganoni, Michael A. Schwarzschild, Merit E. Cudkowicz and Alberto Ascherio, 21 June 2023, Neurology.DOI: 10.1212/ WNL.0000000000207485.
The study was funded by the ALS Association.