Immune-Supporting Nutrients and Supplements for Children's Health

The immune system is the body's defense mechanism responsible for protecting all cells from infections, inflammation and damage. It does this by eliminating pathogens and foreign substances that enter the body. The immune system is composed of various interconnected systems, including organs, cells, chemicals and different types of proteins. If the immune system is weakened due to malfunctions within the body or unhealthy behaviors, the body becomes less capable of fighting off external infections. This results in frequent illnesses and infections, requiring longer recovery times and increasing the risk of serious diseases in the future.

Childhood is a period of greater susceptibility to illness compared to adulthood because children’s immune systems are not yet fully developed. A key method for boosting immunity in children is ensuring they consume a balanced diet that includes food from all five food groups. This provides the body with the essential nutrients needed to produce antibodies and various cells within the immune system, helping it function efficiently and appropriately for a child’s ag

Children should consume a balanced diet comprising food from all five food groups to ensure they receive all the nutrition they need to provide them with the energy, strength and growth that are appropriate for their age, while also supporting their overall development, understanding, and learning abilities. The recommended dietary guidelines for children by age are as follows:

- Newborn to 6 months: Exclusively breastfeed the infant.

• 6 months and older: Begin introducing age-appropriate soft foods.  

  - 1-5 years: Children can begin eating with the family. Gradually introduce coarser foods. Serve one ladle (five tablespoons) of rice per meal, and approximately two tablespoons of meat or one egg. Young children should start learning to eat vegetables by having light-colored vegetables introduced into their diet in small amounts of about half a tablespoon. These vegetables include bok choy (Chinese cabbage), and broccoli. Add oils for children who require additional energy to support nerve and brain cell development. Rice bran oil is recommended as it contains essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, in the ratio needed for developing neural and brain cells.
  However, parents should observe their child for symptoms for 3-5 days after introducing new foods to ensure there are no allergic reactions, such as rashes or bloody mucus in their stools.

  - 6 years and older: As they reach school age, children can consume meals at school, where a nutritionist oversees their dietary needs. 

In addition to healthy foods aiding in children’s proper growth and development, essential nutrients also help boost the immune system, protecting children from illnesses. This is particularly important for school-aged children, who are frequently exposed to germs from their peers at school. The following are immune-boosting nutrients and vitamins for children: 

- Zinc: Zinc is an important mineral that plays a key role in various enzyme functions within the body. It aids in the functioning of white blood cells, so a deficiency in zinc can lead to compromised immunity. Zinc is abundant in red meat, seafood, and egg yolks. In addition, studies have shown that zinc supplementation in children can contribute to increased height; however, a child's growth is not only dependent on zinc, but also requires adequate calcium and amino acids or proteins. 

- Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps regulate white blood cell functions. It can be obtained from sunlight exposure and is also found in foods such as deep-sea fish, egg yolks, and liver. Encouraging children to run and play outside is another effective way for them to receive adequate vitamin D.

- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps strengthen the body. It is found in green leafy vegetables and sour fruits such as oranges, guavas, and strawberries. Since vitamin C can be easily lost when exposed to heat or stored in the refrigerator for extended periods, it is advisable to use cooking methods like steaming or stir-frying for a short duration to preserve its content.

- Vitamin A: Vitamin A helps support the immune system's function. Good dietary sources that are highly absorbable and beneficial include organ meats, egg yolks, and milk and dairy products.

- Selenium: Selenium is a more potent antioxidant than Vitamin C. It is found in whole grains and red meat.

- Protein: Protein aids in the repair and regeneration of damaged body tissues and supports the immune function of white blood cells. A deficiency in protein can result in children being more prone to frequent illnesses, and who, when they do become sick, tend to experience more severe symptoms and slower recovery times.

- Iron: Red meats that are high in iron include liver, pork, and chicken. 

Many parents struggle with children who are picky eaters or have difficulty eating, which leads to insufficient intake of essential nutrients. Here are some strategies to handle picky eaters:

- Limit milk intake: After the age of 1, the primary food should be solid meals, not milk. Children should eat three solid meals a day and have 2-3 servings of milk. Drinking too much carton milk can lead to vitamin C deficiency, as high heat processing destroys vitamin C in milk, which can result in symptoms like walking with a limp, causing reluctance to walk, and bleeding in the gums.

- Establish regular mealtimes: Serve the first meal of the day after waking up, and offer milk after a short interval. Avoid giving milk or snacks 2-3 hours before meals to ensure the child is hungry and ready to eat the next meal.

- Set time limits for meals: Do not allow children’s meals to extend beyond half an hour.

- Help children learn healthy eating habits: Children adapt to new eating habits at different rates, with some taking 3-4 weeks and others taking as long as 1-2 months. 

- Be patient and give time: Parents should be patient and give their children time to adapt. Try offering foods a child dislikes repeatedly, around 10-15 times, as it is natural for children to be hesitant about textures or smells of new foods.

- Observe children’s preferences: For children who prefer certain foods, introduce new foods in the first 10 minutes, then allow them to eat their preferred foods for the remaining 20 minutes of the meal.

- Encourage water drinking: Drinking fruit juices or sodas can lead to children developing a sweet tooth, and, as they grow older, potential weight issues.   

- Adjust family behavior: Parents should be good examples for their children. If you do not want your child to eat or drink certain things, avoid consuming them yourself or even having those items at home. 

- Choose healthy snacks: Parents can replace sweet treats with dim sum or steamed buns, offer fruit instead of jellies or candies, and substitute ice cream with yogurt, frozen fruits or smoothies.

- Set agreements: For example, parents may make an agreement with their child that they are allowed one small treat after meals.

- Food variety: To avoid monotony, provide various food options. For example, for carbohydrates, 1 serving spoon of rice equals 1 slice of bread, ½ a serving of sticky rice, or a handful of macaroni or noodles. For proteins, include pork, chicken, fish and tofu. 

- Praise good eating habits: Use positive reinforcement such as words of praise or stickers as rewards. 

• nvolve older children: Let older children participate in meal preparation, such as carrying plates or setting the table. 

• Decorate their plates to make food more appealing to children. 

  - Eat together at the table as a family in a pleasant atmosphere.

  - If you will be eating out, choose clean restaurants that serve freshly prepared, fully cooked, clean, and safe food suitable for children.

   

  A good diet is important. Proper nutrition ensures that children are healthy, their bodies are strong, they grow proportionately and appropriately for their age, and they can develop to their full potential. If children receive insufficient energy, vitamins and minerals, parents should adjust their diet and behaviors. If this is not possible or there are concerns, parents should take their child to see a doctor for physical examination and appropriate advice.