Nutrition and Immunity Support for your Children

Discover how to help strengthen your child's immune system

Mom and daughter doing a high five beside a table with a laptop on it

Given the extent of COVID-19, strengthening your children’s immune system is more important than ever before. But what is the best way to do so?

The doctor often responds, "By eating properly." This response leaves some parents unsatisfied and unconvinced, for it can seem that “eating well” is not “powerful” enough to achieve a healthy immune system.

In truth, it is everything1. When doctors say it is necessary to "eat well", they aren’t referring to quantity, but rather the specific nutrients that a child's diet must include.

To fulfill all its functions, and to be able to grow and mature adequately, your child's body needs the whole range of nutrients that you may already know: proteins (composed of amino acids), carbohydrates (also called sugars, which are divided into simple and complex), vitamins, minerals, fats (there are various classes), prebiotics and probiotics. All of these nutrients are essential parts of a child’s diet.

Among fatty acids, DHA is important for the immune system2. This is an extremely important ingredient for various physiological processes. It is well known that DHA contributes to brain maturation, good vision function and the correct functioning of the immune system. Your child's nutrition must contain adequate levels of DHA.

Then, there are prebiotics. Any component that favors the proliferation of microorganisms good for the human body is called "prebiotic". Most of these microorganisms are found in the digestive system, which plays an essential role in the functioning of the immune system. In addition to promoting good digestion, prebiotics also support your little one's immunity to resist infections!3, 4

Another powerful nutrient is called MFGM, also known as the Milk Fat Globule Membrane. MFGM plays an important role in your child’s brain and immunity development.3,5 Several studies showed that MFGM supports cognitive development.6

It also contains compounds that are rich in antiviral and antimicrobial mechanisms that help strengthen your child’s defense against infections, keeping your child healthy. Recent studies also show that, apart from its preventative properties, MFGM can improve your child’s emotional intelligence.9

Lastly, there’s the revolutionary nutrient Beta-Glucan, a soluble fiber naturally found in cereal grains such as oats, mushrooms, and even some algae. This special, immunity strengthening nutrient boosts your child’s health and supports their body’s defense against sickness.10,11

The next time you consult your doctor, ask them about the kinds of food you can give your child to increase his consumption of DHA, MFGM, Beta-Glucan and prebiotics. We also recommend giving them Enfagrow A+ Four, which contains all these essential nutrients, with proper nutrition & regular use.

Take care, mamas!

References

  1. Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention. 29 May 2019. Childhood Nutrition Facts https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/nutrition/facts.htm?fbclid=IwAR2CoyYCUX96fa18Qn2U9YnG_aBmIWm_H4e9uP8NZvZdxKVpWD5K6u_4k_s
  2. Claudio Gallia, Philip C. Calderb. Effects of Fat and Fatty Acid Intake on Inflammatory and Immune Responses: A Critical Review. 2009; DOI: 10.1159/000228999 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19752539
  3. Blaser, M. J. (2003). Probiotics and Prebiotics: Where Are We Going?. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 9(5), 610. https://dx.doi.org/10.3201/eid0905.030134
  4. Cerdó T, Ruíz A, Suárez A, Campoy C. Probiotic, Prebiotic, and Brain Development. Nutrients. 2017; 9(11):1247. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/11/1247/htm
  5. Singh, Hardjinder. The milk fat globule membrane—A biophysical system for food applicaCons. Colloid & interface Science 2006;11:154J163.
  6. Walstra, Pieter, Wouters, Jan T. M. and Geurts, Tom J., Dairy Science and Technology Second EdiCon. Taylor & Francis Group 2006.
  7. Le, Thien Trung, Phan, Thi Thanh Que, Van Camp, John and Dewemnck, Koen. Milk and Dairy Polar Lipids: Occurrence, PurificaCon, and NutriConal and Technological ProperCes. 2016.
  8. Hernell O., Timby N., Domellof M. & Lonnerdal B. Clinical Benefits of Milk Fat Globule Membranes for Infants and Children. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27234413
  9. VeeremanJWauters G, Staelens S, Rombaut R, et al. Milk fat globule membrane (INPULSE) enriched formula milk decreases febrile episodes and may improve behavioral regulaCon in young children. NutriCon. 2012;28:749J752.
  10. Talbott SM, Talbott JA. Effect of beta 1, 3/1, 6 glucan on upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and mood state in marathon athletes. J Sports Sci Med 2009;8:509-15.
  11. Nutr J, Cow’s milk-based beverage consumption in 1- to 4-year-olds and allergic manifestations: an RCT. 2016; 15: 19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4769487/