Can the immune system be improved through nutrition? How to help the gut microbiota, and what is upsetting the balance of microorganisms?
What is the immune system? It is a complex of organs, mechanisms, and processes that protects us from diseases by recognizing and neutralizing a huge number of pathogens – viruses, bacteria, fungi, and toxins.
The immune system is also trained throughout life, starting at birth. It is still weak and immature in the first months after birth, but the body is partially protected by maternal antibodies (mother-to-child immunity).
Breast milk and immunity
Maternal antibodies protect your baby from infections for several months. During this period, breast milk is the only source of maternal antibodies for your baby.
In addition to antibodies, it contains antimicrobial peptides, anti-inflammatory substances, and factors that stimulate the baby’s own immune system. Absence or a short period of breast milk feeding leads to an accelerated disappearance of maternal antibodies from the baby’s body while the immune system is still in the stage of formation.
The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding until six months and then introducing complementary foods while maintaining breastfeeding.
Formula feeding
Very often, for some reason, breastfeeding is not possible. Use a quality infant formula to feed your baby.
The ambitions of modern baby formula manufacturers are aimed at a qualitative and quantitative reproduction of the composition and effects of breastfeeding.
To achieve this goal, formula production undergoes a process of macronutrient and micronutrient adaptation. The composition of infant formula includes:
- Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as DHA/ARA)
HIPP Dutch stage 1 formula is highly enriched with these ingredients essential for developing brain and vision in newborn babies.
- Prebiotic oligosaccharides (prebiotics)
Loulouka formula contains GOS that supports the baby’s GI microbiota.
- Vitamins and minerals
Includes only organic ingredients and essential vitamins and minerals to meet infants’ nutritional needs.
These components, among other functions, provide support for the immune system.
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