Your toddler's immune system is still developing and will continue to become stronger and more complex well into adulthood. Minor childhood illnesses help to strengthen your toddler's immune system, and their diet provides more support in the form of immune-enhancing nutrients. Learn which nutrients play a key role in the development of their immune system and lifelong health, and how to make sure your toddler gets the variety they need.
Your toddler's immune system is continually changing, adapting and strengthening in response to external factors. Exposure to germs helps the immune system learn how to defend itself and builds resistance to infections. The food they eat helps to support their natural defences, so they can fight off illness effectively. As a parent, you can support their developing immune system by providing a healthy, balanced diet. A wide range of nutrient-rich foods, as well as good sources of prebiotics, will help to build up their immunity and contribute to their long-term health.
Prebiotics encourage the beneficial bacteria that populate your toddler's stomach to thrive. A healthy level of beneficial bacteria is required to defend the body against potentially harmful bacteria. Thereby, foods containing prebiotics provide a natural increase for your toddler's immune system.
Some growing up milks also contain prebiotics and can complement a balanced diet.
Iron plays a key role in the formation of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen around the body. It supports normal cognitive development for toddlers and a lack of it can affect the immune system. In fact, toddlers who don't get enough iron on a regular basis can suffer from a reduced immune function, leaving them less resistant to infection.
Toddlers need around 5 times more iron in their diet for their size than an adult. But, even with the best intentions, it can be challenging to make sure your toddler meets their daily iron needs.
Zinc, a mineral found in all of the body's tissue, has a number of important functions. As well as aiding the creation of new cells and the enzymes needed to support your toddler's immune system, it also helps to heal wounds.
Vitamin D plays a part in your toddler's immune function, growth and defence against infections. It is also linked to the prevention of allergies.
The most effective source of vitamin D is sunlight – the body produces it when UVB rays shine on the skin. However, the latitude of the UK means that we only get sufficient sunshine from April until October, and the use of sunscreen limits this even further. The number of food sources is also limited in comparison to other vitamins, and even the richest sources contain insufficient amounts.
It's no surprise then, that the average toddler intake of vitamin D is just 27% of the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI), which is 7 micrograms up to the age of 3 years.
For this reason, healthcare professionals recommend that toddlers are supplemented with vitamin D, either in the form of vitamin drops or a fortified growing up milk.
Vitamin C is needed by white blood cells to fight infection, and is a natural antioxidant. It helps to protect cells and keep your toddler healthy, while aiding the healing process and increasing the body's ability to absorb iron.
Vitamin A supports your toddler's immune system by playing a role in the generation of antibody responses and the function of immune cells.
Dark green and orange vegetables and fruit – these contain beta-carotene, a substance that the body can convert into vitamin A. Good sources include carrots, sweet potatoes, swede, mango, spinach, dark green cabbage and kale.
Vitamins and minerals are important in your toddler's diet, but do you know which ones, and why? From vitamin A to zinc, learn more.
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