Objectives: Annually, respiratory infection diseases are those of the leading cause of deaths among children. Dietary supplements such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) are suggested for the treatment of respiratory infections. CLA supplements have several properties including antioxidant activity, anti -cancer, immune system regulation, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic and cholesterol reduction, that may be effect on improving respiratory infections in children. The purpose of study is the effect of CLA on improving the respiratory infections in children aged 1 - 5 years old.
Design: Sixty children with acute respiratory infection aged 1- 5 years will be selected for study into two groups (30 test groups and 30 control groups).
Setting and conduct: After obtaining consent from families, general information, anthropometric factors (height, weight and body mass index) and respiratory symptoms (including cough, fever, sore throat, and respiratory distress) will be collected and patient’s appetite will also be tested.
Participants including major eligibility criteria: Children with pulmonary infection aged 1-5 years old, in Buali Hospital, Ardabil. Those with malnutrition and chronic disease will be excluded.
Intervention: Two grams of CLA supplement daily will be given to test group for two weeks.
Main outcome measures (variables): Weight, body mass index and symptoms of respiratory infection were measured at the end of two weeks period, and then both groups will be compared.