The immune defenses of young children are still weak, limiting their ability to fend off pathogens. The production of antibodies in the child’s body is restricted, while the antibodies received from the mother are gradually depleting. Supplementing certain micronutrients through diet helps address this issue.
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Dr. Ger Rijkers (Photo: Amsterdam) |
From the moment they are born, children must confront health threats such as pollution, unsafe food, and infectious diseases. Pathogens can attack through various routes, including the nose, throat, mouth, and skin. The immune system is essential for helping children defend against infections or escape from outbreaks. It prevents pathogens from entering, destroys them once they are inside the body, and remembers them to mount a more effective response in future encounters.
“The immune system prevents diseases more effectively than medications and modern techniques,” said Dr. Ger Rijkers from Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (Netherlands) at a recent seminar on child nutrition and immunity organized by Dutch Lady. Therefore, when the immune system is weakened, the body is at its greatest risk.
Dr. Ger Rijkers noted that in children, the barriers to disease are still fragile due to thin skin, weak coughing and sneezing reflexes, immature intestines, and low antibody production. Hence, it is vital to strengthen the immune system through a balanced diet consisting of four groups: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Among these, micronutrients play a critical role.
Essential Nutrients for the Immune System
Vitamin A: Reduces the risk of infections, prevents measles, and decreases the likelihood of mortality from this disease. Children deficient in vitamin A are more susceptible to infections, particularly respiratory infections, and tend to experience more severe and prolonged illnesses. A study conducted at the Central Pediatric Hospital revealed that vitamin A deficiency often coincides with anemia and the lack of other vital micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and selenium. Professor Nguyễn Công Khanh, Secretary-General of the Pediatric Association, stated that over one-third of children aged 5-8 months in Vietnam are vitamin A deficient.
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| Milk provides many essential micronutrients for children (Photo: studioaart) |
Vitamin E: A deficiency in this vitamin decreases the production of antibodies and the ability of immune cells to fend off sources of infection.
Vitamin C: A lack of this vitamin diminishes the body’s resistance against infections.
Sialic Acid: This substance inhibits pathogenic microorganisms, preventing them from entering and adhering to the intestines, respiratory tract, and urinary tract. Sialic acid is not broken down by enzymes in the small intestine and retains its activity in the large intestine.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids: These include DHA and AA. These substances reduce the risk of infections, regulate the functions of cells in anti-inflammatory responses, and combat viruses.
To ensure that children receive sufficient amounts of these nutrients, Professor Nguyễn Công Khanh advises breastfeeding mothers to maintain a varied and balanced diet. It is recommended to prioritize fatty fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, and to consume plenty of milk. For children who have weaned from breast milk, in addition to diversifying their diet, it is essential to continue the habit of drinking milk. For children under 3 years old, at least 500 ml of milk should be consumed daily. This food source is ideal as it contains many essential nutrients for the immune system and is easily absorbed. Many types of infant formula also supplement these nutrients at high levels.
Additionally, to promote a healthier gut, it is advisable to supplement with probiotics—beneficial microorganisms that help prevent harmful bacteria in the digestive tract, enhancing the natural resistance of the intestines and preventing diarrhea. Probiotics are found in yogurt and some types of infant formula available on the market.
H.H
