Cod liver oil is one of nature's most abundant sources for omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and vitamin A. Cod liver oil may be a good replacement for fish or krill oil in the winter months when most children in the U.S. have limited sun exposure, because of its natural vitamin D content. Cod liver oil has many reported benefits for both children and adults, but it is used as a supplement for children primarily to improve immune health, to quell arthritis symptoms, and to provide relief from middle-ear infections.
Improved Immune Health
Adding omega-3 fatty acids like cod liver oil into a supplement regimen for children can help promote a healthy immune system. According to an article on PubMed.com, the western diet has excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids and an imbalance in the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio can promote disease. Also, cod liver oil's natural richness in vitamin D can help children fight off infections and increase immunity in the winter months. According to The National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, vitamin D can modulate immune function and reduce inflammation in the body, and is essential for bone growth in children.
Reduced Juvenile Arthritis Symptoms
Cod liver oil is reported to help in reducing the inflammation that is present in children that suffer with arthritis. According to an article on BBC News.com, 1 in 1,000 children suffers from arthritis symptoms. In the article, Professor Caterson's research determined that cod liver oil can help aid joints by decreasing inflammation and slowing down the enzymes that degrade cartilage in arthritis. Adding cod liver oil as a supplement can help ease the pain associated with adult and juvenile arthritis.
Fewer Ear Infections
Cod liver oil is reported to help relieve middle-ear infections in children. According to research led by Dr. Linda A. Linday, a pediatrician and researcher for The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, children who had began taking cod liver oil had fewer middle-ear infections and required less use of antibiotics. During the cruel winter months and throughout the school year, supplementing with cod liver oil can help children prevent ear infections.
References
- PubMed: The Importance of the Ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D
- BBC News: Health: Cod Liver Benefits Confirmed
- The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary: Cod Liver Oil May Prevent Middle Ear Infections in Children
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