Iron
Iron is essential to the formation of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen around the body. Iron deficiency, known as anaemia, can affect the immune response and lead to an increase in infections in children. Iron may also support cognitive development in children.
There are many iron-rich foods to choose from, including beef and lamb, fortified breakfast cereals, leafy greens like kale and spinach, and legumes like dried peas, beans or lentils.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in your baby’s large intestine, which play an essential role in the way the immune system develops and responds to bacteria, viruses and allergens.
Prebiotics are found in a variety of foods, including bananas, apples, peas, onions, chick peas and oats. Some milks are fortified with prebiotics.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a part in the normal functioning of your child’s immune system. Vitamin D is also needed to absorb calcium in the body, contributing to the development of your child´s bones and teeth.
The best source of vitamin D is sunlight on the skin, but this needs careful management for young babies. Remember it’s important to be sun smart.
Include dietary sources of vitamin D such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and eggs where you can, and speak to your health care professional if you think your baby might be at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps maintain normal immune function. Vitamin A also plays an important role in development of normal vision.
You can find vitamin A in animal-based products, such as eggs, and dairy-based foods, such as yoghurt and cheese. The body can obtain vitamin A from some fruits, like mangos, and from dark leafy greens, like cabbage and kale, as well as from orange vegetables, like carrots and sweet potatoes.
Your baby’s nutrition is an essential tool in supporting their immune system and helping them fight typical childhood illnesses. The combination of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, protein sources such as meat or oily fish, fats and dairy will give your child the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are essential to support a well-functioning immune system.