Food safety | If you want to enhance your baby’s immunity, choosing the right nutrition is the key

Nutritional issues in the growth and development of babies have always been of great concern to parents. Malnutrition in the early stage may lead to irreversible growth and cognitive retardation in babies. In the short term, it manifests as physical and intellectual retardation, increased morbidity and mortality, and long-term consequences may affect the development of children's intellectual potential, reduce their learning and work abilities, increase their reproductive capacity, and increase the risk of chronic diseases. Therefore, whether a baby's early nutritional status is good is the cornerstone of his lifelong health.

Breast milk is the most ideal natural food for babies. It not only promotes intestinal development, but also contains rich immune active substances, which can enhance and regulate the baby's immunity and reduce the risk of infectious diseases in babies. For example, breast milk contains a relatively rich amount of lactoferrin, which can effectively help infants and young children resist the interference of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, improve constipation, reduce respiratory diseases, increase their own immunity and resistance to pathogenic microorganisms. The prebiotics contained in breast milk are conducive to the establishment of a healthy intestinal microecology in children and promote the maturation of intestinal barrier function, thereby reducing the risk of allergic diseases in infants. In addition, breast milk contains sufficient energy and nutrients, which can provide babies with appropriate amounts of protein, fat, lactose, vitamins, trace elements and water, and are easier to digest and absorb.

For babies who cannot drink breast milk and can only be fed with formula, we can choose formula containing active immune proteins, such as osteopontin, lactoferrin, and active probiotics, to ensure the baby's comprehensive nutritional balance and protect the baby's growth well.

For children over three years old, the dietary structure is very different from that of babies. They need to be provided with sufficient meat, eggs, milk, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, etc. every day. When the food intake is insufficient, we can provide the baby with formula milk and nutritional supplements to ensure adequate nutrient intake.

Expert interviewed: Zhong Xuemei, chief physician of the Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics