Impact of cod liver oil consumption in infants and children: A systematic review

Abstract Background Cod liver oil (CLO) is a nutritional supplement derived from liver of cod fish. It has high level of the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid, and very high levels of vitamins A, D, and E. Supplementing cod liver oil for infant and children is associated with many health benefits such as decreased risk of upper respiratory tract infection, better visual development, and decreases chance of developing Type 1 diabetes. The main aim of this review is to assess the impact of codliver oil consumption in children’s and infants. Methods We used databases PubMed/MEDLINE, CINHAL and Cochrane library and other sources like Goggle and Goggle scholar. All searches were limited to English language without restriction for publication year. All studies identified through different databases combined, exported and managed using Endnote X9.1 software. Information’s such as Authors, study location, publication year, study design, sample size, comparison group and reported outcomes was extracted. Result From the results of this review, we can conclude that Cod liver oil is very important for children in many aspects. It reduces the risk of type 1 diabetes, through the anti-inflammatory effects of long-chain omega 3 fatty acids. It also decreases in upper respiratory tract pediatric visits during the winter and early spring. It also supports normal brain development and functioning and vision during the prenatal period and throughout infancy and childhood. Consumption of codliver oil is also useful in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in children. Conclusion As a conclusion, Cod liver oil is very important to health of children since it contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E. Cod liver oil is important in reducing risk of type 1 diabetes, upper respiratory tract pediatric visit and ADHD. Cod liver oil is crucial for fetal brain development and enhancement of IQ score, and fetal visual development. More attention to this important nutrient by the concerned body may lead to improved dietary supplements and prevention of many diseases in children.