It’s been shown that there is an association between cod liver oil and asthma. A lack of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet is believed by many experts to be one of the causes of asthma. Babies who were bottle fed and children who don’t eat a sufficiently nutritional diet appear to be at higher risk for this ailment.
Studies show that cod liver oil can prevent dry skin, help individuals who have arthritis and aid in increasing vitamin and omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for cardiovascular health. But the question some have raised is: can cod liver oil help asthma?
It seems that asthma attacks can be treated by including an adequate amount of essential fatty acids in the diet, particularly the omega-3 fatty acids found in cod liver oil. Researchers report that omega-6 is the most widely consumed of the fatty acids, whereas omega-3 is the least consumed.
It is reasonable to assume that cod liver oil can be a viable choice in treating this condition. Asthma is an inflammatory condition and we know that omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammatory conditions.
Moreover, other studies have indicated that children who are deficient in nutrients such as Vitamin C, E, B12, beta-carotene, magnesium, selenium, and zinc are also prone to develop asthma. Thus, a diet regimen composed of these nutrients as well as cod liver oil has been considered an effective treatment for asthma sufferers.
The results of these studies and research suggest that since omega-3 fatty acids cannot be easily obtained simply through diet alone, it is often necessary to supplement the diet with cod liver oil as a way to maintain the vitamins and fatty acids which are components of this oil.
When one asthma sufferer experienced wheezing she took cod liver oil and found relief. When she stopped taking it the wheezing started again. It appears, then, that cod liver oil reduces asthma symptoms.
If you or your child has asthma, the first suggestion would be to consult with your physician to determine if cod liver oil is appropriate for you. There may be certain conditions under which you cannot use this oil, especially if you or your child have a pre-existing illness or have been taking medications which can interact with the oil.
Cod liver oil seems to help asthma patients, and judging from the overall consensus in researching the relationship between the cause and effect of asthma, this may be an effective alternative.