There is insufficient evidence of efficacy of individual antioxidants, or antioxidants in general, in the treatment of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. One study reported a mild positive effect but this was not supported in our analysis. If future trials of antioxidant medications are performed, careful attention should be given to sample size, outcome measures, and duration of the trials. The high tolerance and safety, and relatively low cost of vitamins C and E, explain the continuing use of these vitamins by physicians and people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. While there is no substantial clinical trial evidence to support their clinical use, there is no clear contraindication.
Glutathione peroxidase in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: the effects of selenium supplementation.
The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) as well as the activities of other antioxidative enzymes: CuZn superoxide dismutase (CuZn SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) in erythrocytes, as well as the activity of plasma glutathione transferase (GST), and the plasma content of vitamins E and C were evaluated in 35 sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) patients. The results revealed significantly decreased activity of both GSH-Px and CuZn SOD in sALS patients compared with the control. These data showed that a disturbed oxidative/antioxidative balance in sALS patients exists not only in motoneurons but also in the blood. The effect of exogenously administered selenium (Se), antioxidants, amino acids, a Ca2+ channel blocker such as nimodipine, and their combination in Alsamin was evaluated by screening parameter levels after 9 weeks of treatment. Only the use of all components together enhanced the activity of GSH-Px and the amount of vitamin E in sALS patients. Judging by the results of clinical trials, this treatment slowed the course of the disease.