Supplements for Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy, a motor disorder caused by damage to the brain, has no known cure. However, the effects of the brain injury, such as muscle pain and tension, seizures and immune system problems, may be alleviated with nutritional supplements.

Vitamins

• Several vitamins can be helpful for people with cerebral palsy including Vitamin C, which supports muscle, bone and immune system health. The B vitamins, which support the nervous system, can increase energy and may help with seizure control, according to epilepsy.com.

Minerals

• Calcium, which helps strengthen bones, and magnesium, which helps prevent muscle spasms, are both important for people with cerebral palsy. Getting the right amount of these minerals helps prevent osteoporosis and fatigue.

Other Supplements

• Other supplements may have properties helpful to people with cerebral palsy include St. John's Wort, which improves mood and may help ease tension in the body. Some people claim that GABA, a neurotransmitter, can help with symptoms of cerebral palsy. Other individuals have tried to treat cerebral palsy with aryuvedic and homeopathic remedies, but the results of these methods have not been scientifically validated.

Benefits

• Nutritional supplements are inexpensive and readily available at pharmacies and natural food stores. When taken in the right amounts, vitamins and minerals do not have harmful side effects.

Risks

• Nutritional supplements cannot cure cerebral palsy, and their effects on specific symptoms, such as spasticity and seizures, have not been sufficiently studied. Individuals who take large amounts of supplements should work closely with their doctors, because an overdose could be harmful and could interfere with other types of medication.