How Nutrition Affects Children’s Immunity

Article

Dec 11, 2024

4 mins

When it comes to building a strong immune system, nutrition is key.

A strong immune system is important for your child’s overall health and well-being. It protects them against harmful viruses and bacteria, reducing their risk of illnesses and diseases.

When it comes to building a strong immune system, nutrition is key. The food they consume plays the role of supplying them with the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that they need in ensuring a smooth functioning of their immune cells.

So, what nutrients do your child need for a healthy immune system?

Nutrition for a Healthy Immune System

Of course, there are many nutrients your child needs to build their immune system. Let’s start with the basics, which are proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Proteins are crucial as they function to build and repair cells, contributing to the physical development of your child. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, supplies them with the energy needed for their immune cells to function properly. While fats are often considered bad, healthy fats like those found in nuts and avocados are good for supporting immune health.

Next are the vitamins and minerals. Certain vitamins and minerals are renowned for their immune-boosting properties. Vitamin C, commonly found in guava, papaya, orange and pineapple as well as leafy greens such as kale and mustard leaves, help stimulate the production of white blood cells which are key players in the immune response. Vitamin E, found in nuts and seeds, acts as an antioxidant, which protects immune cells from damage. Zinc, which is present in meat, poultry, seafood and eggs, are crucial for the development and function of immune cells.

Daily Recommended Zinc & Vitamin C Intake For Children

Child's Gender	Age	Daily Recommended Intake of Zinc (mg/day)	Daily Recommended Intake of Vitamin C (mg/day)
Boy	1-3 Years	4.2	30
	4-6 Years	5.2	30
	7-9 Years	5.7	35
Girl	1-3 Years	4.0	30
	4-6 Years	5.2	30
	7-9 Years	5.6	35

Of course, the most important thing is to provide your child with these nutrients in the right amounts. Consult your child’s doctor to discuss what’s the best amount for them at each stage of their growth.

Early Childhood Nutrition

In the early years, the type and quality of food they consume can significantly impact their immune system. When talking about early childhood nutrition, things like probiotics, prebiotics, DHA, ARA and a few other terms are often discussed. But what exactly are all these, and how does it help your child’s immune system?

First, let’s talk about probiotics. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for digestive system. Often referred to as "good" or "friendly" bacteria, probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms while eliminating harmful bacteria from the gut.

Prebiotics, on the other hand, are non-digestible food components that selectively stimulate the growth of desirable microorganisms or probiotics. In simpler terms, prebiotics help to create an environment where good microorganisms that support the gut can flourish. One such prebiotic is 2’-FL Oligosaccharide, which promotes immune development.

Other common terms are DHA and ARA, which are important saturated fats found abundantly in the brain. They play very important roles in the early brain and eye development.

All these can commonly be found in formulated growing-up formula milk, such as NANKID OPTIPRO. It’s formulated with 2’-FL, Probiotics B. lactis, DHA and ARA to strengthen children’s immunity and support healthy growth and development.

And so, by prioritizing nutrition and choosing the right formulated growing-up milk for your child, you can help them in building a strong immune system to protect them from falling sick; setting them on a path towards a healthy and vibrant life.

BOILERPLATE:

When it comes to safeguarding children’s immunity, there's only one choice that stands out. NANKID OPTIPRO, with its Immunity Guardians* comprising of 2’-FL Oligosaccharide and Probiotic B. lactis is the ideal formulated growing-up milk to support your child's immune system. With the highest levels^ of 2’-FL Oligosaccharide and 100 million+ Probiotic B. lactis, NANKID OPTIPRO helps to strengthen their immune defenses, reducing the risk of infections while promoting healthy growth and development. Make the right choice for your child's immunity - choose NANKID OPTIPRO

*Immunity Guardians refers to 2'-FL Oligosaccharide & Probiotic B. lactis to support immune foundation

^Compared to Key Formulated Milk Powder For Children aged 1-3 years per 100g of milk powder (as of March, 2024)

+Refers to 100 million Probiotic B. lactis per 100g of milk powder

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