Ear infections are one of the most rampant illnesses in small children, and some are affected by the infections much worse than others. Recent studies have shown a possible link between ear infections and the lack of certain chemicals that are present in cod liver oil that adults have in their bodies. By regularly ingesting cod liver oil into their bodies, children may be able to avoid getting ear infections as often and they can speed up their recovery process.
Causes of Middle Ear Infection
The main causes of middle ear infection are the presence of bacteria or fungi in the middle ear canal. The infection can also be caused by a change in the ear drum created by allergies, a cold or enlarged adenoids. The most obvious symptoms of an infection are hearing loss, earache, vertigo and clogged feeling in the ear.
Lower Levels of omega-3 fatty acid and Vitamin A
In a study published in the July 2002 issue of "Annals of Otology," researchers tested children to see if they were missing any chemicals that adults had that would lead to increased ear infections. Blood samples from the children confirmed that they had much lower levels of Omega- 3 fatty acids and Vitamin A than the adults did. Since both substances are important in preventing infections in the body the researchers concluded that increasing the levels of both might lead to decreased levels of ear infections in the children.
Study Results
By giving the children the two chemicals present in cod liver oil, as well as a dose of selenium the researchers were able to speed up the treatment of middle ear infections by 12 percent. Five of the seven children who received the supplements on a daily basis did not develop another ear infection for the rest of the winter season.
Dietary Sources of Cod Liver Oil
The best way to naturally get the benefits of cod liver oil is to eat cod and other fresh water fish a few times a week. If you are unable to eat fresh water fish that often cod liver oil is available at health food stores as a supplement in either pill form or liquid form.
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