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Vitamin D deficiency screening is considered reasonable in people with ALS

Original source

Vitamin DALSUntangled · 2 April 2014

People with ALS may be at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. ALS Untangled says screening is reasonable and that confirmed deficiency can be treated according to established guidelines. It remains unclear whether supplementation slows disease progression, improves muscle strength or reduces falls.

Why this matters

Screening and treating confirmed deficiency may help avoid complications linked to vitamin D deficiency. The available review does not show that supplementation changes ALS outcomes or should be used as a disease treatment. [S1]

Limitations and context

This is an independent expert review published in 2014, not a new primary study. It says the effects of supplementation on ALS progression, strength and falls remain uncertain, and calls for further studies.

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