Health

Study Suggests Maintaining Klotho Protein Levels Protects Against ALS-Related Nerve Degeneration

Published

5 years ago

March 26, 2021

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gherig’s Disease after the famous baseball player who was forced to retire after experiencing the disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. The medical term for ALS accurately describes the effects the disease has on patients. Amyotrophic refers to three root terms: a meaning “no,” myo meaning “muscle,” and trophic meaning nourishment, all of which combine to indicate that the condition leads to no nourishment of muscle tissue and atrophy, or wasting away, of the affected tissue. Lateral indicates the upper and lower areas of the spinal cord that lead to muscle atrophy, and sclerosis refers to the hardening and scarring of the affected regions.

In ALS, motor neurons that provide an essential connection between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body degenerate or deteriorate rapidly. When the motor neurons eventually die, the brain can no longer cause or control muscle movement, leading to their eventual atrophy. Soon after, individuals can experience partial or total paralysis of voluntary muscles, leading to an inability to control muscle movement, speak, eat, and even breathe. The average life expectancy after receiving an ALS diagnosis is between three and five years.

Lack of Available Treatments

Currently, there is no cure for ALS. While familial, or inherited, ALS accounts for some cases of the disease, nearly 95% of cases occur sporadically, without any known genetic precursor.

In an effort to find a potential preventive treatment for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, researchers at Boston University’s School of Medicine have turned to study biological models that simulate neurodegenerative conditions. As a result, scientists have identified a certain protein that appears to serve a unique, beneficial purpose in protecting the brain from the mechanisms of ALS.

Klotho Protein

In Boston University’s School of Medicine laboratory model, researchers identified an anti-aging protein called klotho protein that showed neuroprotective effects. In fact, increasing klotho protein levels reduced neurological deficits in experimental models of both Alzheimer’s Disease and multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers then posited that klotho protein increases may aid in protecting the brain against other neurodegenerative diseases, as well.

In a subsequent study on a laboratory model, klotho protein provided similar neuroprotective effects against ALS. Klotho protein was shown to reduce ALS-associated neurological deficits, thus providing a potential decrease in the manifestation of symptoms. In conjunction with the presence of anti-inflammatory brain cells called microglia, klotho protein shows potential to protect the brain against inflammation, degeneration, and motor neuron loss.

Future Implications

Klotho protein therapy, along with other activities that increase klotho levels, have been shown to potentially prolong the life of an ALS patient by as much as 300 days. Further, increasing klotho levels appears to improve quality of life by reducing ALS symptoms in patients who have already discovered the disease.

While the klotho protein has long shown benefits for other neurodegenerative diseases, this new information provides hope and potential therapeutic applications for the thousands of patients currently suffering from ALS.

Resources:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-06/buso-pop062719.php
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12031-019-01356-2
https://www.als.org/understanding-als/what-is-als

Health

Addressing Common Myths About Vitamins and Supplements by Amanda Tirado

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Michelle Langton

The wellness industry is filled with advice about vitamins and supplements, but not all of it is accurate. Many people rely on supplements for better health, but misunderstandings about how they work can lead to wasted money or even potential harm. Amanda Lorena Tirado, founder of Xmy, is passionate about educating people on making smarter supplement choices. Her company focuses on high-quality, effective products while also giving back to the community through charitable initiatives. Let’s break down some of the most common myths about vitamins and supplements so you can make informed decisions.

One of the biggest myths is that all supplements work the same way, regardless of how they are taken. Many don’t realize that traditional pills and capsules have to pass through the digestive system, where stomach acid and enzymes break them down. This can significantly reduce the amount of nutrients your body actually absorbs.

In contrast, oral strips and liquid supplements enter the bloodstream more quickly, making them more effective. For example, vitamin B12 is often poorly absorbed in pill form but is much more bioavailable in liquid or sublingual forms. Choosing the right delivery method is just as important as picking the right supplement.

Another misconception is that supplements can replace a healthy diet. Many people assume taking a daily multivitamin covers all their nutritional needs, but that’s not how the body works. Supplements are designed to support a good diet, not replace it. Whole foods provide more than just vitamins, they contain fiber, antioxidants, and other compounds that work together to benefit your health.

For example, an orange does not just offer vitamin C. It also provides fiber, flavonoids, and other nutrients that enhance absorption and support overall health. Research has shown that people who get their nutrients from food rather than supplements tend to have better long-term health outcomes. So while supplements can help fill gaps in your diet, they should not be your primary source of nutrients.

Many people also assume that if a supplement is labeled as “natural,” it must be better and safer. But that’s not necessarily true. The term “natural” is often used as a marketing tool rather than an indicator of quality or safety.

Some natural ingredients can be harmful, especially in high doses or when mixed with certain medications. On the flip side, some synthetic nutrients are actually more stable and easier for the body to absorb. The key is to choose well-researched, high-quality supplements from reputable brands rather than relying on misleading labels.

Another dangerous myth is that taking more vitamins means better health. Some believe that if a little is good, a lot must be even better, but that’s not always the case.

Certain vitamins, especially fat-soluble ones like A, D, E, and K, can build up in the body and become toxic if taken in excessive amounts. Too much vitamin A, for example, can lead to liver damage, while excessive vitamin D can cause kidney problems. Even water-soluble vitamins like B-complex and C can cause side effects in very high doses, such as nerve issues or stomach discomfort. Moderation is key when it comes to supplementation.

At Xmy, the focus is not just on convenience, it’s about real impact. The company is committed to producing supplements that prioritize effectiveness and bioavailability. But their mission goes beyond selling products.

Misinformation about supplements is everywhere, but being informed is the best way to make smarter health choices. The way a supplement is absorbed matters as much as what’s in it. A balanced diet is still the foundation of good health, and more vitamins don’t always mean better results.

Xmy is changing the way people think about supplements. Amanda and her team believe that good health is not just about what you take, it’s about making informed choices and supporting brands that genuinely care. Choosing the right supplements means choosing a brand that stands for something bigger. With Xmy, you are not just improving your health, you are supporting a company that is making a real difference.