Acute Otitis Media: Nutritional Considerations

• Avoidance of allergenic foods: Up to 10 percent of all children are allergic to one or more foods. In particular, chronic cases of otitis media have been associated with food and environmental allergies, perhaps causing up to 40 percent of cases. Further, diets that eliminate suspected foods have resulted in significant improvements in otitis media and other conditions.
  
  An important cause of food allergy is milk and dairy products. As a test, it is helpful to eliminate all milk and dairy products for one month or longer. If symptoms resolve, consider long–term avoidance.
  
• Following a healthy diet: Some children with otitis media have low antioxidant levels, low zinc levels, and low iron levels. Although vitamin–mineral supplementation may be useful, a well–rounded, healthful diet usually provides all necessary nutrients and promotes healthy immune function.
  
  Children should be encouraged to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and healthful snacks, such as homemade “smoothies” and dried fruits.
  
• Breast–feeding: Most studies show that breast–feeding prevents allergies and many diseases of childhood. If formula must be used, choose a soy–based or amino acid–based formula, rather than a cow’s milk formula.