Research indicates that infants and young children are less likely to develop croup if their pregnant mothers took fish oil and vitamin D supplements.
Croup is a viral chest infection that affects young children and is characterized by a barking cough, a hoarse voice, and breathing difficulties.
Although the disease is common and typically mild, some infected children require hospitalization and respiratory support.
For a randomized controlled trial, 736 pregnant women were recruited and divided into four groups.
From the 24th week of pregnancy until one week after delivery, they received different amounts – high or standard – of vitamin D supplements and either fish or olive oil daily.
There were a total of 97 instances of croup among children.
Overall, 11 percent of children whose moms took fish oil experienced group, compared to 17 percent of infants whose mothers took olive oil.
Children whose moms took a high amount of vitamin D were 11 percent less likely to get croup than those whose mothers took the conventional level.
The results were presented by Dr. Nicklas Brustad at the International Congress of the European Respiratory Society in Barcelona. He stated, “Currently, there is no vaccination available against the bacteria that causes this sickness.” In sufficient amounts, vitamin D and fish oil may be effective against childhood croup, according to our findings.
These are quite inexpensive supplements, so this might be quite cost-effective.
