Dietary modulation of the gut microbiome as a supportive strategy in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - a narrative review.

Nov 3, 2025Pharmacological reports : PR

How Diet Changes Can Help in ALS Treatment

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Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a serious disease that affects the nerves controlling muscles, and there is currently no cure. Research shows that the bacteria in our gut may influence ALS. Changes in gut bacteria have been found in ALS patients, leading scientists to explore dietary changes, including the use of probiotics and prebiotics, as potential support in treatment. Fecal microbiota transplantation, which involves transferring gut bacteria from healthy individuals, is another area of interest. This review discusses how diet and gut bacteria relate to ALS and suggests future research directions in this important field.

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease leading to permanent damage to the central and peripheral motor neurons. Currently, there is no effective treatment for ALS, and therapy focuses solely on slowing the progression of the disease. Recent studies show that gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Altered gut microbiota has also been found in ALS. These changes have prompted the search for alternative forms of ALS treatment, focusing on changing the microbial composition of the gut. It has been noted that diet, probiotics, prebiotics and vitamins can all influence the course of ALS. Another interesting issue is fecal microbiota transplantation, which is already used in the treatment of certain intestinal diseases and could potentially be useful in the treatment of ALS. This review summarizes current knowledge on the impact of gut microbiota on the neurodegenerative process in ALS, with particular emphasis on the role of diet and probiotics. It also discusses potential mechanisms and highlights future research directions in this emerging field.

Abstract

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