ABSTRACT
Nutritional research in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has grown past its infancy into preadolescence. To understand our approach to nutrition and our recommendations for ALS patients, we first wish to examine some theoretical issues. We will review the nutritional challenges faced by ALS patients, evaluate the current knowledge of nutrition in ALS, and examine an energy balance model for the nutritional treatment in ALS. Finally, we will discuss the practical aspects of nutritional treatment for ALS including monitoring of nutritional status, managing dysphagia, optimal timing for nutritional intervention with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), and use of vitamins and supplements.
