COD LIVER OIL

Some children often fall sick, getting one cold after another. On an average, every year, babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers get about seven to eight colds. In addition to this, they also suffer from diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. This is because; children are constantly exposed to new disease causing organisms while their immune systems are still developing. After about six months of age, the maternal immunity they receive, fades and they have to start building up their own immune system. This takes some time.

Ref: The University of Utah. Should I Be Worried If My Child Gets Sick Too Frequently? Available from: https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_5nzgsffm Accessed on: Feb 01, 2018.

The frequency, at which your child falls sick, tends to gradually decrease over the years. To prevent the frequent bouts of illness, boosting your child’s immune system is as essential as practicing good hygiene. Provide them with sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals through their food or nutritional pills. Some essential vitamins which help in building your child’s immunity include vitamins A, B, C, D, E, folic acid, iron and zinc.

The essential fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, are necessary for human health. These fatty acids help in normal brain functioning and development in children. They play an important role in cognitive and behavioural function. In growing babies, insufficient quantity of omega-3 fatty acid puts them at risk for developing vision and nerve problems. Additionally, the fatty acids also reduce inflammation and likewise, the overall risk of developing diseases. Since these are not made by the body, they are sourced from foods like fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other seafoods including algae and krill, some plants, and nut oils.

Vitamins are needed for growth, for developing a good vision, to make healthy bones, muscles and organs, and to battle infections. Deficiency of vitamins can lead to serious problems.

Vitamin A: This may be sourced from liver, meat, milk, eggs, and orange fruit and vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. It plays an essential role in development of eyesight, skin, growth, immune function.

Vitamin D: When we expose our bodies to direct sunlight our bodies make the vitamin D needed. Vitamin D is also found in small quantities in oily fish, fish liver oils, egg yolks, butter and margarine. It helps in absorption of calcium and maintains strong and healthy bones. 

Ref: Vitamins and minerals. Available from: http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/vitamins.html Accessed on: Feb 01, 2018.

Cod liver oil is a source of essential vitamins (vitamin A and D) and fatty acids. Intake of cod liver oil increases the levels of vitamin D in the blood. Cod liver oil contains omega-3 fatty acids which help in wound healing and development of the brain function. Cod liver all reduces chances of infections in young children and chronic diseases in adults. 

Ref: MedlinePlus. Cod liver oil. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/1040.html Accessed on: Feb 01, 2018.

Cod liver oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oils which are crucial for maintaining good health. Since these cannot be synthesized by the body, they must be obtained from the diet. To get this from your diet, it is advisable to eat two portions of fish a week, one of which should be oily, such as fresh tuna, mackerel or herring.

Each capsule of Cod liver oil contains:

• Cod liver oil : 315 mg
• Vitamin A : 600 IU
• Vitamin D : 60 IU

Vegetarians often do not achieve an adequate intake of the omega-3 fatty acids present in Cod liver oil. Also, Cod liver oil supplements may be helpful in preventing vitamin A and D deficiency.

Cod liver oil on the whole is a very safe supplement that exerts a wide range of health benefits.

Ref: Is vegetarian diet healthy for a child? Available from: https://bpac.org.nz/BPJ/2008/December/docs/bpj18_vegetarian_pages_38-41.pdf Accessed on: Feb 01, 2018.

Cod liver oil is a rich source of vitamin A, which supports immune system, helps in development of eyesight and skin. Vitamin D in Cod liver oil helps in bone growth, development and improvement of immune function. Cod liver oil containing essential omega-3 fatty acids, reduces inflammation, and improves cognitive function. In all, addition of Cod liver oil supplement to your children’s’ daily lifestyle can easily improve health and fight off a myriad of diseases.

One capsule of Cod liver oil may be taken three times a day.