Supporting Your Baby’s Immune System

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The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body and keep it healthy.  Our bodies have natural protective barriers that help block unwelcome invaders from entering.  One of the many ways the immune system works is by maintaining these barriers so they create a strong defense against foreign germs.

When a baby is in utero, they are naturally provided with all the nourishment and protection they need to develop.  However, in the outside world, babies need to begin developing their own immune system which will help shield them from sickness and infection.

While in the womb, a baby’s digestive track is sterile.  After birth, babies come in contact with different kinds of microorganisms (bacteria), from the birth canal, skin, and breast milk.  Bacteria immediately begin to live in the digestive tract (or gut), and help to develop the immune system.

 Up to 80% of a body’s immune cells are found in the digestive tract (Brandtzaeg, p. 1562).  As a baby’s gut flora continues to develop, new kinds of good bacteria can be found.  Good bacteria, sometimes called probiotics, are live, safe microorganisms, found in food which can provide certain health benefits, as well as, influence the digestive and immune systems (FAO/WHO, p. 22).

How to Support a Baby’s Developing Immune System

In addition to visiting a doctor for regular check-ups, there are two other important ways in which to support a baby’s developing immune system.  The first is to ensure vaccinations are on time and up to date.  Vaccines signal the body to create antibodies that can attack potentially harmful germs.  Without these antibodies, childhood diseases such as whooping cough can be extremely dangerous.

According to HealthLink BC, “each vaccine contains a small amount of the disease germ (virus/bacteria/toxin), such as the pertussis, measles or chickenpox virus, pneumococcal bacteria, or tetanus toxin.  The germs in the vaccine are either dead, weakened, or made inactive, and cannot harm your child in any way.  These germs help your child’s immune system to build protection against disease.”

The second way to support a baby’s developing immune system is through breast-feeding.

Breast-feeding Benefits

Experts agree that breast-feeding is the best source of nutrition for a baby (Canadian Paediatric Society).  In addition, it offers immune benefits that will nurture growth and development.  Specific immune boosting properties of breast milk include:

• Protein, which helps build and repair body tissues such as muscles and organs, and helps make antibodies to fight infection.
• Vitamin A, which maintains healthy skin and membranes, helps with normal bone and tooth development, and aids in the development and maintenance of night vision.
• Vitamin E, which protects fat and other cells from damage.
• Zinc, which helps build and maintain tissues.

 Breast milk also contains antibodies and bacterial cultures, which contribute to the development of a healthy digestive tract and strong immune system.  Specifically, breast milk contains bifidobacteria, which makes up to 90% of the total naturally occurring cultures found in the gut flora of healthy, breast-fed babies (Yoshioka, p. 321).  Bifidobacteria can balance the gut flora, increase antibodies, and maintain a healthy gut lining, which acts as a natural protective barrier.

Understanding a baby’s delicate immune system, the role of vaccinations and of natural cultures found in breast milk, can help parents develop their baby’s immune system and digestive track that will protect and keep them healthy.

Resources About Infant Immune System

 
Brandtzaeg, P. et al. “Immunobiology and Immunopathology of Human Gut Mucosa.” Gastroenterology, 97, 6(1989). 1562-84.

Canadian Paediatric Society, Dieticians of Canada and Health Canada. Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants. Ministry of Public Works and Government Services. Ottawa, 2005.  (accessed Aug 7, 2010)

Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Evaluation of Health and Nutritional Properties of Probiotics in Food Including Powder Milk with Live Lactic Acid Bacteria, October 2001. (accessed, Aug. 7, 2010).

Yoshioka, H. et al. “Development and Differences of Intestinal Flora in the Neonatal Period.” Pediatrics, 72, 3 (1983). 317-21.

Resource by Kelly

I am a former ESL teacher who loves helping adults learn new skills. I enjoy going to concerts and listening to great music when I'm not teaching. I currently live in Chicago, IL and really enjoy the city life.

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