Exposure to the environmental toxin BMAA may elevate the risk of ALS. BMAA is produced by cyanobacteria, a blue-green alga that commonly occurs in marine ecosystems and accumulates in shellfish, sharks, and other sea-life. Those most reliant on sea-foods for their food source may be most at risk.
Researchers have discovered a neurotoxin linked to a range of neurodegenerative diseases in Lake Winnipeg. The neurotoxin, BMAA, is found in high concentration in Cyanobacteria during periods of bloom.
Researchers find the amino acid, BMAA, can be inserted into neuroproteins. This causes them to misfold and aggregate. BMAA has been detected in the brains of those with ALS.