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Your Baby's Immune System

What is the immune system?

Your baby’s immune system helps defend her against a world alive with germs and
micro-organisms and also helps her tolerate potential allergens. It protects her from illness and infection when she gets a cut, eats cereal from the floor, or breathes in a virus.

How does it work?

The immune system is made up of special cells, tissues and organs, and proteins such as antibodies. The immune cells work together to defend the body against germs and
micro-organisms through a complex reaction called the immune response. They also must tolerate normally harmless substances such as nuts and pollens. Some babies are born with a stronger immune system than others, but all babies’ immune systems are immature at birth.

What can I do to support my baby’s developing immune system?

Some believe that a healthy immune system can be developed through lifestyle habits such as spending time outdoors in fresh air, being active, and getting enough sleep.  Others believe that exposure to germs and micro-organisms helps to support babies’ immunity. And most agree that nutrition plays an important role in supporting a balanced
immune system.

A balanced diet for a healthy immune system includes protein, vitamins such as A, C and E, minerals such as zinc, iron and selenium, as well as Omega 3 and 6 fats, such as DHA
and ARA.

“Healthy nutrition is a very simple and natural way to support the immune system. I have noticed that babies who are fed in healthy ways end up seeing me less—especially
in the winter months when the risk of viral illness runs high,” says Dr. Peter Nieman, a pediatrician at Alberta’s Children’s Hospital and Rockyview General Hospital.

“A healthy dose of fruits and vegetables for older infants is a much better and more natural way than supplements to support a balanced immune system. Early in life babies
rely on breast milk or formula for all of their nutrients, including DHA, which plays a role in supporting baby’s immune system.”

How do DHA and ARA support a balanced immune response?

Beneficial amounts of DHA and ARA in early life support the development of a balanced immune response—including resistance to germs and micro-organisms and tolerance to potential allergens.

“I am extremely excited about recent research indicating that early and beneficial intakes of DHA (with the Omega 6 fat, ARA) plays an important role in the development of a baby’s immune system, helping to support normal, healthy immune outcomes. Normal healthy immune outcomes may be shown by the lower occurrence of some common symptoms, such as some rashes and wheezing,” explains Dr. Nieman. “It appears to be a very exciting and natural way to add just one more layer of protection against common illness.”

DHA and ARA support immune system development in your baby— and support normal brain and eye development. So you can see why it’s critical that your baby gets beneficial amounts.

How do I give my baby DHA and ARA?

Breastfed babies get DHA and ARA from breast milk. Babies exclusively fed with formula, or supplemented with it, can get DHA and ARA from an enriched formula such as Enfamil A+®.