Importance of nutrition in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: nutritional care

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease of the human motor system that causes progressive loss of brain and spinal cord motoneurons.

Suffering from ALS has a direct negative effect on the patient's nutritional status. Malnutrition is widespread in patients with ALS. Malnutrition affects muscular strength and immunity, leading to the progression of disease and death. Several clinical trials have shown that malnutrition is an independent predictive factor. Therefore, it is important to have an early and periodic nutritional assessment to adapt patient’s diet.