ALS & Cellular Support: What the Research Shows

Science-Based Information on Natural Approaches

Understanding ALS

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Right now, there's no cure, and scientists don't fully understand what causes it.

But here's what we DO know: Research shows that several things go wrong at the cellular level in people with ALS:

Too much stress on cells (called oxidative stress) - like your cells are rusting from the inside
Energy factories breaking down (mitochondria aren't working right)
Gut problems that may affect the brain
Too much inflammation throughout the body
Weakened body structures (collagen problems that affect everything from gut lining to nerve support)

Important: While we can't cure ALS, research shows we might be able to support the body's natural repair systems. This page shares what science has discovered about that possibility.

The Science Behind Cellular Support

1. Fighting Cell Stress (Nrf2 Pathway)

Think of Nrf2 like your body's main defense system against cell damage. When it's turned on, it tells your cells to make protective proteins.

FDA Validated 2023

Big news: In February 2023, the FDA approved the first Nrf2-activating drug for a brain disease similar to ALS. This confirms that this pathway is a real target, not just theory.

What Studies Show

A 2024 clinical trial found that people with ALS who took an Nrf2 activator had slower decline in nerve function compared to those who didn't.

2. Fixing Energy Problems (Mitochondria & NAD+)

Your cells need energy to work. In ALS, the parts that make energy (mitochondria) start breaking down.

FDA Approved 2022
More proof: In September 2022, the FDA approved a drug specifically for ALS that targets mitochondria. People lived an average of nearly 5 months longer.

NAD+ breakthrough: A 2022 study showed that restoring NAD+ (an energy helper) actually improved the health of damaged motor neurons in lab tests.

3. Healing the Gut (Microbiome)

Your gut and brain talk to each other constantly. When your gut isn't healthy, it affects how your brain functions.

Research Explosion

Studies in 2023-2024 found that gut bacteria changes happen BEFORE ALS symptoms even start. Scientists are now testing probiotics in people with ALS.

The "Leaky Gut" Connection

Many people with ALS have increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut), letting things into the bloodstream that shouldn't be there, causing inflammation.

4. Strengthening Body Structures (Collagen)

New 2024 Discovery
Why Collagen Matters for Nerve Health
Collagen is like the glue that holds your body together - including the protective layers around your nerves. Research shows that supporting collagen pathways may help protect nerve function.

What Scientists Found

People with ALS have significantly less collagen throughout their bodies - in skin, spinal cord, everywhere.

Studies show:

Spinal cord collagen 40-50% lower than healthy people
Skin collagen significantly depleted
Collagen structure fragmented and weak

Protective response: A 2024 study in Nature Neuroscience found that when nerve cells are under stress, they actually try to make MORE collagen VI as a defense mechanism. Your body knows it needs this.

Why this matters for gut health: The amino acids in collagen (glycine, proline, glutamine) are exactly what your gut lining needs to repair itself and stay strong. Studies show collagen helps heal leaky gut.

Key Research: Ono S, et al. (1998). Collagen abnormalities in ALS spinal cord. Journal of Neurological Sciences. • Jarjour AA, et al. (2024). Protective collagen response in C9orf72 ALS neurons. Nature Neuroscience.

5. Getting the Right Fats (Omega-3s)

Harvard Study 2023
Not all fats are the same. Some omega-3 fats may help, while others need caution.

What Works - ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid)

A Harvard study of 449 people with ALS found that those with higher levels of ALA had:

Slower disease progression
Up to 50% lower risk of death during the study.

Food sources of ALA: Flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds, canola oil

DHA Shows Promise

Studies show DHA (from fish oil or algae) may help preserve motor function and reduce inflammation, especially in men.

DHA levels naturally decrease in the lumbar spinal cord of people with ALS - supplementation can restore these levels.

Important Caution About EPA

The Harvard study measured naturally occurring EPA levels from eating fish, which showed people lived longer. However, high-dose EPA supplements showed concerning results in mouse studies - they may speed up disease progression.

The 2024 study found 300 mg/kg EPA treatment actually shortened lifespan in ALS mice and increased toxic compounds in the spinal cord.

What counts as "high-dose" EPA? Research shows high-dose EPA supplements typically range from 1-4 grams (1,000-4,000 mg) per day. Prescription EPA products like Vascepa contain 4 grams daily. Standard fish oil supplements typically contain 180-900 mg of EPA per serving.

Bottom line: Eating fatty fish 2-3 times per week appears safe and may be beneficial (as shown in the Harvard study). However, avoid high-dose EPA supplements (2,000+ mg per day). Obtain ALA from food sources (flaxseeds, walnuts, chia) and moderate DHA if using supplements.

Key Research: Bjornevik K, et al. (2023). Plasma alpha-linolenic acid and ALS progression. Neurology. • Yip PK, et al. (2024). EPA accelerates disease progression in ALS model. PLoS One.

Research on LifeVantage Products

LifeVantage makes supplements designed to activate these natural pathways. While these specific products haven't been tested in ALS clinical trials yet, they target the same mechanisms that research shows are important.

The Steven Bishop Story

Steven Bishop was diagnosed with ALS in 2001 and was given 2-5 years to live. He started taking Protandim Nrf2 Synergizer in 2009.

After one year on Protandim Nrf2, his disease progression stopped and he began seeing symptom reversal. Two years after starting on Protamdim Nrf2 he was able to drive again after ten years of not driving. He added Prtandim Nrf1, Protamdim NAD, and Axio as they became available.

Today, he's still alive and active.

Was it the supplements? We can't prove it. But what we DO know now (that we didn't know back when Steven started) is that every single pathway he supported has since been validated by FDA drug approvals and major research studies.

The Science of Synergy: Why Taking Products Together Matters

What Does "Synergistic" Really Mean?

Synergy means that when things work together, the result is greater than the sum of the parts. Research shows these products don't just add to each other - they multiply each other's effects.

The Protandim Tri-Synergizer™: Proven Amplification

LifeVantage tested each Protandim product alone versus all three together (called the Tri-Synergizer™). The results were remarkable:

Gene Activated

Single Product

Tri-Synergizer™

Boost

Nrf2 (antioxidant defense)

40% increase

73% increase

82% more powerful

Nrf1 (mitochondrial health)

94% increase

118% increase

25% more powerful

HMOX1 (cellular stress protection)

50% increase

838% increase

16x more powerful

What is HMOX1?

It's one of your body's most powerful cellular protection systems. It acts like an emergency response team that reduces inflammation and protects cells from stress and damage - exactly what nerve cells need in ALS.

What this means:
You're not getting three times the benefit - you're getting over 16 times more cellular stress protection. For nerve cells under extreme stress in ALS, this amplified defense may make a meaningful difference.

Collagen + Protandim Nrf2: A Powerful Partnership

These two products work synergistically - better together than either alone.

80-97%

Inflammatory Reduction

Reduced harmful inflammatory proteins

1000%

Gene Activation

Activated protective genes

The proof: LifeVantage research showed that taking both together produced results that didn't happen with either product alone.

In ALS, where collagen is 40-50% too low AND oxidative stress is very high, this combination tackles both problems at once.

How These Products Work

Let me break down each product in plain English - what it does and why it might matter for ALS based on the research we've covered.

Protandim Nrf2 Synergizer

Contains five plant ingredients shown in published studies to activate the Nrf2 pathway (remember - that's your body's main defense system). In studies, it increased the body's own antioxidant production by over 40% and reduced oxidative stress by 40% in 30 days. Think of it as turning on your cellular security system.

Protandim NAD Synergizer

Helps your body make more NAD+ - that energy helper molecule we discussed. This is the compound that was shown in 2022 to improve motor neuron health in ALS models. It's like giving your cellular batteries a boost.

Protandim Nrf1 Synergizer

Supports mitochondrial biogenesis and repair - that's a fancy way of saying it helps you make new, healthy energy factories in your cells. If your old power plants are breaking down, this helps repair them while building new ones.

TrueScience® Liquid Collagen

Activates your body to make 5 types of collagen, replenishes depleating collagen levels by adding 10 types of collagen peptides, and helps maintain collagen by reducing the enzymes that break it down. Research shows collagen supports gut barrier integrity (healing leaky gut), extracellular matrix support, and tight junction function. Given that ALS patients show system-wide collagen deficits, and the body tries to increase protective collagen when under stress, supporting collagen levels makes biological sense.

ProBio and Prebiotic or P84

Contains beneficial bacteria to support gut health and the food they eat. With research showing gut changes happen before ALS symptoms, supporting a healthy microbiome is a logical approach. Think of it as sending in reinforcements to help restore balance.

Daily Wellness

Comprehensive immune support system that works in three ways: supports barrier systems (gut lining, respiratory, skin), supports innate immune response (your body's first line of defense), and supports adaptive immune response (your body's targeted defense). Given that ALS involves immune dysfunction and inflammation, supporting all three immune systems makes biological sense.

AM & PM Vitamins

Complete vitamin and mineral supplementation designed to work with your body's natural rhythms. AM formula supports energy and metabolism throughout the day; PM formula includes magnesium for muscle relaxation, nerve support, and sleep quality. Addresses nutritional gaps common in ALS.

Axio

Neurotropic drink with brain-supporting nutrients. Clinical research has shown Axio along with Protandim Nrf2 and Protandim Nrf1 changes brain mapping patterns in ADHD patients, demonstrating its ability to affect neurological function. Contains neuroprotective compounds that support cognitive function and mental clarity. Think of it as nutrition specifically targeted to brain health.

What These Products May Support

LEGAL REQUIREMENT: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, including ALS.

Based on the research, these products may support:

Cellular Defense Systems
Helping cells protect themselves

Energy Production
Supporting mitochondria

Healthy Inflammation Response
Keeping inflammation balanced

Gut Health
Maintaining intestinal barrier

Structural Integrity
Supporting collagen and extracellular matrix

Omega-3 Balance
From fish

Overall Quality of Life
Helping the body function better

What This Is NOT
• This is not a cure
• This is not a treatment
• This is cellular support based on what science shows goes wrong in ALS
Results vary from person to person, and some people may see no benefit at all.

Key Research: Bjornevik K, et al. (2023). Plasma alpha-linolenic acid and ALS progression. Neurology. • Yip PK, et al. (2024). EPA accelerates disease progression in ALS model. PLoS One.

The Minnesota Research Proposal

In May 2022, I submitted a research proposal to Minnesota's ALS research funding initiative (Minnesota had allocated $25 million). The proposal suggested testing this exact combination of natural products in people with ALS.

What Happened

No Minnesota ALS clinic took it on.

Why? At the time, these ideas seemed too alternative, too far from mainstream medicine and medical research.

Why this matters for gut health: The amino acids in collagen (glycine, proline, glutamine) are exactly what your gut lining needs to repair itself and stay strong. Studies show collagen helps heal leaky gut.

What Happened

FDA approved an Nrf2 activator for neurodegenerative disease (Feb 2023)
FDA approved a mitochondrial drug specifically for ALS (Sept 2022)
Harvard published the omega-3 study showing up to 50% lower death risk (June 2023)
Major journals published studies on gut microbiome in ALS (2023-2024)
Nature Neuroscience published collagen findings in ALS (2024)

Every pathway I identified in 2022 has now been validated. The scientific community caught up to what the research was already showing.

Suggested Protocol

If someone with ALS wants to try this approach, here's what it might look like:

Core Daily Support (Tri-Synergizer™ Stack)

What These Products May Support

LEGAL REQUIREMENT: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, including ALS.

Based on the research, these products may support:

Protandim Nrf2 Synergizer

1 tablet daily

Protandim NAD Synergizer

1 capsule daily (2 recommended)

Protandim Nrf2 Synergizer

1 capsule daily (2 recommended)

Axio

1 packet daily (neurological support - shown to change brain mapping)

TrueScience Liquid Collagen

1 dose daily

ProBio and Prebiotic or P84

As directed (mixed in water or your favorite shake)

Daily Wellness

For immune system support (1 scoop)

AM & PM Vitamin Pack (Optional)

AM with breakfast, PM with dinner

Omega+ (Optional)

From fish oil containing 125 mg EPA, 316 mg DHA, and 40 mg Omega 7

Optional for Omega+

Dietary omega-3 - Focus on flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds (ALA)
Moderate DHA - Fish oil or algae oil if tolerated

$534.09 - $735

Approximate Monthly Cost

Depending on product selection

Shopping Cart Link

Choose which products you want to try.

(Note: LifeVantage in their Customer Rewards Circle Program gives $5 rewards points for every $100 spend.)

CRITICAL: Do your own research. Do not start this or any supplement protocol without talking to your doctor first. Supplements may interact with medications. Your healthcare team needs to know everything you're taking.

Real Talk: Managing Expectations

I need to be completely honest with you: This is NOT a cure.

ALS is an incredibly complex disease. The research shows these pathways are involved, and supporting them makes biological sense. But that doesn't guarantee results.

Some People May See:

Slower progression
Better energy levels
Improved quality of life
Better gut function

Some people may see no change at all.

What Happened

FDA-approved for ALS
Proven in large clinical trials for ALS
A substitute for working with your medical team
A miracle cure

Why Share This Then?
Because the science is compelling enough that people deserve to know it exists. The risk is relatively low (these are nutritional supplements with little or no side effects not experimental drugs). And for some people, any chance at support is worth exploring.

A Personal Note From Char

I lost my brother to ALS. I watched him deteriorate over months, and there was nothing I could do. I have a close friend battling it right now.

When I learned about the research - the Nrf2 pathway, the mitochondria, the gut connection, the collagen deficits - I couldn't let it go.

I'm a nutritionist with a master's degree in Nutrition & Physiology. I spent months reading every study I could find. That's why I wrote the proposal to Minnesota. That's why I'm sharing this now.

I make no promises. I can't. But I can share what the science shows and let people make informed decisions with their doctors.

If my brother were still here, this is what I'd want him to know about.

With hope and honesty,

Charlotte Winnen, MS Nutrition & Physiology, Ed.D.

Talking to Your Doctor

If you want to try this approach, here's how to talk to your neurologist:

"I've been reading about cellular support research in ALS. Specifically about Nrf2 activation, Nrf1, and NAD+ support, gut health, and collagen. I know the FDA recently approved an Nrf2 drug for Friedreich's ataxia and a mitochondrial drug for ALS. I'm interested in trying natural products that support these same pathways. Can we discuss this?"

Be Prepared for Skepticism

Many doctors are unfamiliar with this research or wary of supplements. That's okay.

Bring Research Papers

If you want (I can provide citations).

What Matters Most

Your medical team knows what you're taking so they can monitor for any interactions with your medications.

Legal Disclaimers

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical care.
Always consult your physician before starting any supplement protocol, especially if you have a serious medical condition like ALS.
Individual results may vary. There is no guarantee that any person will experience any benefit from these products. Some people may experience no benefit at all.
Product availability and formulations may change. Always check with LifeVantage for current product information.
I am a LifeVantage Consultant. If you purchase products through me, I earn a commission. This doesn't change the science, but you should know.

Key Research Citations

Nrf2 Pathway:

Sandrelli F, Bisaglia M. (2023). Nrf2 as molecular target for ALS therapy. Int J Mol Sci, 24(14):11498.
Mayer K, et al. (2024). Dimethyl fumarate in ALS: DIMESALS trial. Front Pharmacol, 15:1375838.

Mitochondria & NAD+:

Gautam M, et al. (2022). Restoring NAD+ levels in ALS. Sci Rep, 12:13875.
Meyer K, et al. (2023). Mitochondria as therapeutic target in ALS. Int Rev Neurobiol, 172:117-156.

Gut Microbiome:

Guo M, et al. (2024). Gut microbiome features in ALS. Brain, 147(5):1664-1678.
Boddy SL, et al. (2021). Gut microbiome in ALS complexity. BMC Med, 19:13.

Collagen:

Jarjour AA, et al. (2024). Neuroprotective ECM signature in C9orf72 ALS. Nat Neurosci, 27:524-538.
Ono S, et al. (1998). Collagen abnormalities in ALS spinal cord. J Neurol Sci, 171(2):140-144.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Bjornevik K, et al. (2023). Plasma ALA and ALS progression. Neurology, 101(7):e690-e698.
Yip PK, et al. (2024). EPA accelerates disease in ALS model. PLoS One, 19(7):e0307246.

Synergy Research:

LifeVantage Corp. (2023). TrueScience Liquid Collagen and Protandim Nrf2 Synergizer Study. Internal research document 230721.03.

Want to Learn More?

I'm happy to share additional research papers, answer questions, or provide the complete research document with 50+ citations.

Contact: [email protected]

Remember: I'm not a doctor. I'm a nutritionist with a master's degree in nutrition and physiology who lost her brother to ALS. I've spent years reading research because I couldn't save him, but maybe - just maybe - this information can help someone else. Always work with your medical team. They know your specific situation in ways I never could.