Otitis media (Ear Infection)
Supplements studied for otitis media (ear infection).
Overview
Xylitol (DEX Score 72; medium effect size, high evidence, very high trust) has medium-strength evidence for otitis media prevention in preschool children. Chewing gum, lozenges, or syrup totaling about 8.4–10 grams daily in divided doses may reduce ear infection risk by roughly 25–40%, with gum and lozenges appearing most effective.
Olive Oil (DEX Score 44; low effect size, low evidence, medium trust) ear drops did not reduce pain versus standard drops in one study. Echinacea (DEX Score 48; low effect size, medium evidence, medium trust) and Vitamin D (DEX Score 44; low effect size, low evidence, medium trust) have mixed or unclear evidence for prevention or treatment. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below.
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SupplementDEX Database
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