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ALS Untangled reviewed L-serine as a possible treatment for some people with ALS

Original source

L-SerineALSUntangled · 29 November 2016

ALS Untangled said L-serine has a possible mechanism for helping a subset of people whose ALS may be linked to BMAA toxicity. A small Phase I trial found doses up to 15 grams twice daily were relatively well tolerated. The review said L-serine should not be recommended as an ALS treatment until further evidence shows safety and benefit.

Why this matters

This does not currently change treatment for people with ALS. It remains unclear who might benefit, partly because BMAA exposure is difficult to measure reliably in living people.

Limitations and context

This is an independent expert review published in 2016, not a new primary research report. The evidence cited included a small Phase I trial, and a larger follow-up trial was only planned. The review did not establish that L-serine benefits people with ALS.

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