Omega-3 and Parkinson's drug show promise in slowing ALS progression.

Consuming omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), found in flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia, canola and soybean oils, may help slow the progression of disease in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The study found that higher blood levels of ALA were associated with a slower disease progression and a lower risk of death within the study period. The researchers are now promoting a randomized trial to determine whether ALA is beneficial in people with ALS.