Cod liver oil has long been used to prevent and treat vitamin deficiencies in children. It’s a natural source of both vitamin A and D. In addition, it contains omega-3s, healthy fats that are required for proper brain development. Cod liver oil can have a positive effect on children’s overall health, but consult your health-care provider before taking cod liver oil.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin responsible for bone development, preventing rickets and proper insulin secretion. Researchers at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore investigated the vitamin D status of children and adolescents. They discovered that 61 percent of children and adolescents have low vitamin D levels. Cod liver oil is a rich source of vitamin D, which can help to prevent or treat vitamin D deficiency. The findings were published in the September 2009 issue of “Pediatrics.”
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Scientists at Columbia University examined the impact of cod liver oil consumption on upper respiratory tract infections in young children. They discovered that young children receiving cod liver oil and a children’s multivitamin/mineral during winter and early spring months decreased their pediatric visits for upper respiratory tract infections, according to research published in the December 2010 issue of the “Journal of the American College of Nutrition.”
Depression
The omega-3s found in cod liver oil may reduce childhood depression, according to a study performed by scientists at Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Israel. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 were assigned to receive omega-3 fatty acids or a placebo daily for 16 weeks. At the end of the treatment, which was published in the June 2006 issue of "American Journal of Psychiatry,” researchers found that children in the omega-3 group experienced significant improvements on the Children’s Depression Rating Scale compared with those who had a placebo.
Side Effects
Omega-3s may cause side effects, including bloating, diarrhea and nausea, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult your health-care provider before giving cod liver oil to your children.
References
- "Pediatrics"; Prevalence and Associations of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Deficiency in US Children: NHANES 2001-2004; J. Kumar et al.; September 2009
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Cod Liver Oil, Young Children, and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections; L.A. Linday; December 2010
- "American Journal of Psychiatry"; Omega-3 Treatment of Childhood Depression: a Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study; H. Nemets et al.; June 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; 2011
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