Vitamins in Other Neurodegenerative Disorders (ALS, Huntington's Disease, and MS)

Neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease (HD), and multiple sclerosis (MS) present clinical and societal challenges, with limited therapeutic possibilities, due to their pathophysiological complexity. Recent studies have shown the importance of vitamins in the management of occurrence, development, and progression of these diseases. Vitamins B12, folate, D, and C, together with vitamin E, are essential in the functioning of neuronal cells, protection of myelination, protection against oxidative stress, and the immune system. The discussions in this chapter will focus on how vitamin deficiencies aggravate neurodegeneration and consider how this works in ALS, HD, and MS. It also analyses recent individual clinical evidence on vitamin supplementation, citing the possible therapeutic advantages and disadvantages of such procedures. Although some of the results are promising, their implementation in clinical practice is not easy, because of study outcomes and patient population variability. The chapter ends by highlighting future opportunities in personalized nutrition and precision medicine, including the importance of specific intervention to exploit the therapeutic potential of vitamins in managing neurodegenerative diseases based on individual patient profiles.