Epsom Salt Can Reduce Risk of Cerebral Palsy

http://foodconsumer.org/7777/8888/D_rug_N_ews_50/082809522008_Magnesium_sulfate_Epsom_salt_cuts_cerebral_palsy_risk_in_preemies.shtml

The August 28, 2008 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine has published a study showing that giving magnesium sulfate, commonly known as Epsom salt, just before delivery to pregnant women at high risk for preterm birth cuts the rate of cerebral palsy by half in the babies that are born.

Magnesium sulfate is already used to halt contractions when pregnant women get into early labor, according to ABC News. The cheap chemical is stored in every hospital delivery room and is readily available.

The researchers in the current study concluded that the use of magnesium sulfate should be considered for women at risk of early preterm delivery to prevent cerebral palsy in their children.