Gut bacteria and inflammation may interact with an ALS-linked gene in mice
You Nutrition Clinic has a commercial interest in this subject. Compass summarises the reporting; it is not independent analysis, and it is not clinical evidence.
Related topics
A study in mice with reduced C9ORF72 function found that gut bacteria could trigger systemic and nervous-system inflammation. The researchers linked this response to bacterial glycogen, a stored form of sugar, and found that breaking it down with alpha-amylase helped the mice live longer and reduced signs of brain inflammation.
Why this matters
The findings suggest that specific substances made by gut bacteria, rather than only the types of bacteria present, may influence inflammation in some ALS-related genetic settings. This is an animal study, so it does not currently change treatment or show that enzyme supplements would help people with ALS.
Limitations and context
The source is an expert review from a sponsored nutrition clinic, not the primary research paper. The reported findings come from mice and include a specific genetic and microbial context. Human studies are needed to determine whether the mechanism applies to people with ALS and whether it can be safely targeted.