The maternal nutritional status greatly influences infant immune system development during pregnancy and the nutrients infants receive through breastmilk and complementary foods.
During the first few days after birth, thick yellowish milk (colostrum) is produced, which is extremely rich in antibodies. So it is essential to breastfeed your baby to strengthen her immune system. If it is hard to feed your baby, breastfeed her at least a few feeds as every feed is important, and every feed counts. You can give european baby formula for more nutrition as it can increase immunity.
Infant nutrition is critical to a child’s well-being from birth to adulthood. Correct feeding during the first three years of life is significant because it lowers morbidity and mortality, reduces chronic disease risk, and promotes mental and physical development.
A healthy diet is important for every infant and child. Generally speaking, fewer than a fourth of infants have access to a variety of foods and feeding frequency. About a third of all cases of malnutrition in children are due to inadequate feeding practices.
It has been proven that breastmilk promotes a child’s development by raising IQ, school performance, and earning potential as an adult. Your child’s immune system is fully developed until around eight years old, so the early years of a child’s life are critical.
Role and Importance of Immune System In Infants
Infants or toddlers are regularly exposed and vulnerable to diseases. The immune system is a complex network of pathways and stages in the body that protects against both germs and illnesses.
The immune system actively responds when recognizing a foreign invader such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. So, the immune system plays a vital role in protecting infants’ and toddlers’ weak bodies against diseases.
Which Food will be Best for Your Toddler?
Giving good quality food to your child can prevent him from having nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin supplementation can enhance immune function, according to studies.
Foods such as banana, whole grains, green veggies are enriched in probiotics, whereas yogurt, fermented vegetables, formula foods, and breastmilk contains probiotics. Both prebiotics and probiotics strengthen your child’s immune system.
You can support your toddler’s immune system by feeding him healthy foods such as;
- Ensure your toddler gets a balanced diet of whole fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of water appropriate to his age.
- If a balanced diet is not accessible, try giving your infant or toddler an organic food formula containing several nutrientsfor healthy and balanced growth.
Factors that can Effect Infant’s Immune System
A single nutrient deficiency may alter the body’s immune response. Children’s immune responses can be influenced by deficiencies in essential minerals like zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid, as well as vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E. These nutrients protect healthy cells, support their growth, and activity of immune cells, and produce antibodies. According to studies, poor nutrition is linked to an increased risk of bacterial, viral, and other infections among children.
Infections such as flu virus, mononucleosis, and measles can weaken your infant or toddler. So take proper care of your child and go for proper check-ups so you can never compromise your infant’s or toddler’s health.
Does an Immune Boosting Diet Exist?
Having enough nutrients in your toddler’s diet is crucial for the health and function of all your cells, including your immune system. Some dietary patterns may better prepare the body of your baby to combat microbial attack and inflammation, but individual foods are unlikely to offer special protection.
Micronutrients play a vital role in each step of the body’s immune response. Vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, iron, and protein (such as glutamine) are among the nutrients critical for the growth and function of immune cells. They can be found in a wide variety of plant and animal foods.
The diet primarily controls intestinal microbes. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes provide a high-fiber diet that supports the growth and maintenance of beneficial microbes. Foods that contain probiotics and prebiotics are healthy for infants and toddlers.
Some microbes break down fibers into short-chain fatty acids, which have been shown to stimulate immune cell activity. These fibers are sometimes called prebiotics because they support the growth of microbes in the digestive system.
A diet rich in probiotics and prebiotics may be beneficial. Probiotic foods contain beneficial bacteria, while prebiotic foods are high in fiber and oligosaccharides, supporting and nourishing healthy bacteria.
Final Verdict
The early years of your child’s life are crucial for his overall well-being for the rest of his life. So you need to give your complete- devotion to your child, especially in his early years of life.
