As we turn the pages of history, cod liver oil holds a special place in childhood nutrition. Once a grandmother’s remedy, it is now supported by rigorous science and research. But what role does cod liver oil play in a baby's first year? How can it support baby’s growth, immunity and intelligence? Let’s find out.

Our exploration commences with Omega-3 fatty acids. Cod liver oil is abundant in two vital Omega-3s: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). A study in 2017 affirmed that DHA is pivotal for an infant's nervous system development, particularly for the eyes and brain [1]. These elements form the foundation of a child's capacity to learn, concentrate, and handle emotions, emphasising the significance of cod liver oil from infancy.

Vitamin A and D

In each droplet of cod liver oil lies a potent combination of Vitamins A and D. This pair serves as an indispensable nutrient source for mothers and infants alike. For instance, Vitamin D may bolster a baby's bone health and immune system development. A study from 2003 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition underscored a decreased risk of type 1 diabetes in infants supplemented with Vitamin D, highlighting its protective nature [2]. Vitamin A in cod liver oil is vital for promoting healthy skin and eyes, as well as enhancing immunity. It's essential for normal lung development and the establishment of the respiratory tract epithelial cells in infants. Furthermore, cod liver oil may support vulnerable preterm infants, who face a higher risk of developing chronic lung disease [3]. It's recommended to consult your healthcare practitioner for advice on the appropriate dosage, but drops can be administered via spoon or dropper before feeding.

Autism spectrum disorder

It is estimated that globally, approximately 1 in 100 children have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [4]. Individuals with ASD often have poor nutritional status due to intestinal inflammatory conditions that restrict nutrient absorption. A 2001 study on autistic children revealed an almost universal deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in their sample [5]. ASD cases also displayed deficiencies in vitamins A, B1, B3, and B5, and biotin; minerals such as zinc, selenium, and magnesium; essential amino acids; and fatty acids EPA and DGLA [6]. To support the health of developing foetuses and new infants, research suggests cod liver oil, rich in omega-3s and vitamins A and D, could provide substantial benefits for autism. In a 2000 study involving 60 autistic children, some experienced improvement within days of taking cod liver oil. Core autism symptoms such as language, ability to socialise, eye contact and sleep patterns consistently improved [7].

Cognitive development and productivity

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported in 2014 that moderate fish consumption by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers could lead to an average IQ increase of 5.5 points in children and improve their early age verbal development [8]. This finding may imply that the addition of DHA to the diet could potentially assist in promoting personal societal contributions and economic earnings during adulthood. It's crucial to note that some commercial cod liver oils may contain high mercury levels. According to a 2007 article in Environmental Health Perspectives, prenatal exposure to mercury has been linked to negative neurological outcomes in childhood [9]. However, mercury levels are not detected in Rosita Real Foods. Rosita routinely conducts purity tests with leading European institutes, so their products meet the strictest European requirements. Test results can be found at https://rositarealfoods.com/testing

Mental health

Postnatal depression is a common concern for many new mothers, particularly when balancing family, careers, and relationships. Cod liver oil could be beneficial in these circumstances. The physiological demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding put women at higher risk of DHA depletion in the brain. Some studies have reported that maternal plasma DHA levels drop by as much as 50% in some individuals after a single pregnancy and may still not be fully replenished at 26 weeks postpartum [10][11][12][13]. A report from the 'Journal of Translational Psychiatry' in 2020 indicated that consuming cod liver oil during pregnancy significantly improved depressive symptoms by increasing DHA levels. This not only benefits the mothers, but also indirectly nurtures the baby by fostering a healthier and more joyous growth environment [14].

Having said all this, it's crucial to introduce cod liver oil in consultation with a healthcare professional, ensuring appropriate dosage and timing. It's also worthwhile to remember that not all cod liver oils are created equal. Quality matters, so it's best to select a version that's free from potential contaminants and is sustainably sourced, like Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil. The tradition of cod liver oil bears a grain of wisdom, now bolstered by strong scientific evidence. As a source of crucial nutrients, cod liver oil can play a key role during a baby's first year, from infancy to toddlerhood. Opting for nutrient-dense real foods ensures a rich supply of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, promoting optimal growth and development for the family. 

Reference:

[1] In time: importance of omega 3 in children’s nutrition https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5417803/

[2] Use of cod liver oil during the first year of life is associated with lower risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes: a large, population-based, case-control study. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522034499?via%3Dihub

[3] Vitamin A supplementation for preventing morbidity and mortality in very low birthweight infants. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12519545/

[4] Global prevalence of autism: A systematic review update. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aur.2696

[5] Biological interventions in the treatment of autism and PDD. https://chiro.org/Graphics_Box_NUTRITION/Autism_PartII.pdf

[6] Studying the effects of essential nutrients and environmental factors on autistic behavior.

[7] Is autism a G-alpha protein defect reversible with natural vitamin A?  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10867750/

[8] United States Food and Drug Administration, A quantitative assessment of the net effects on fetal neurodevelopment from eating commercial fish. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/
FoodborneIllnessContaminants/Metals/UCM396785.pdf

[9] Dose-response relationship of prenatal mercury exposure and IQ: an integrative analysis of epidemiologic data https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17450232/

[10] N-3 (Omega-3) fatty acids in postpartum depression: implications for prevention and treatment. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2989696/

[11] Maternal and neonatal essential fatty acid status in phospholipids: an international comparative study. https://www.nature.com/articles/1600390

[12] Deficiency of essential fatty acids and membrane fluidity during pregnancy and lactation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2052562/

[13] Maternal essential fatty acid patterns during normal pregnancy and their relationship to the neonatal essential fatty acid status. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7547829/

[14] The efficacy and safety of omega-3 fatty acids on depressive symptoms in perinatal women: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-020-00886-3