TOP NUTRIENTS TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S IMMUNE HEALTH
In my previous post, I talked about various lifestyle changes that you and your family can do to improve immune health. There are a variety of nutritional supplements that can further optimize your children’s immune system and give your child’s body that extra defense to more effectively ward off and fight colds and flus.
Below are some immune-supporting supplements I recommend, in addition to the diet and lifestyle tips shared in the previous post:
Multivitamin: This is the foundation for any health support regimen. It's a good way to cover the basic vitamins and minerals your child’s body needs for day-to-day function.
Vitamin D3: This is one supplement that parents should be very consistent about giving to their children. Adequate vitamin D status is critical for optimal immune function, and this cannot be achieved without supplementation during the winter months. Vitamin D3 increases our body’s production of an antimicrobial compound to help fight viral and bacterial infections. Studies have shown that people with vitamin D deficiency are 11 times more likely to get a cold or flu, while supplementing with vitamin D can reduce colds and flu by 42%. It is best to get your levels checked for accurate dosing. Blood levels should be above 30 ng/mL; however, optimal levels are probably closer to 50 ng/mL for most. You may also want to add vitamin K2 for better immune support. There are some brands that provide Vit D3 and K2 together.
Liposomal or Buffered vitamin C: The role of vitamin C in supporting the immune system is well known. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which assists our ability to ward off and deal with infection. Citrus and tart fruits are well known sources of vitamin C, while cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale and cabbage also contain high amounts of immune system boosters. A newer formulation, known as liposomal vitamin C, stays in the body longer than regular Vitamin C. Buffered Vitamin C is gentler on the stomach and thus can be consumed at higher doses to support your child’s immune system without
Zinc: Zinc is extremely important for so many functions in our body including being vital in maintaining our immune health. You can take an additional supplement or consume more foods high in this powerful immune-supporting nutrient. Seafood—especially oysters—red meat, and pumpkin seeds are the best food sources of zinc.
Fish Oil (My favorite is Cod Liver Oil): Fish oil has omega-3 essential fatty acids that are great for good health and robust immunity. There is a myth around Fish oils to consume them during winter months only. This is not true, and is essential year around for everyone, including the growing and developing brains and immune systems of our children. In case there is no consistent consumption of fish like salmon or sardines and foods like flax and pumpkin seeds, daily supplementation is essential. By getting a cod liver oil supplement, you get a bonus of Vitamin A as well.
Probiotics: The Gut-Immune connection is maintained through a healthy gut flora that protects against pathogens and integral to the immune system. Research has shown that children who took a probiotic (combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) daily throughout the cold and flu season showed fewer upper respiratory and fever symptoms. Getting probiotics through fermented foods is a great idea too! In case your children haven’t gotten started on them, taking a daily supplement will help greatly. If taking probiotics supplementally, look for one with a diversity of species of bacteria as well as the beneficial yeast Saccharomyces Boulardii and spore-forming organisms.
For more detailed information about dosages and customization keep your child’s unique needs in mind work with me.
