Cold and flu season is not quite over. In fact, spring is a common time for people to catch colds. Prevent your child from getting sick by keeping the immune system strong. The immune system requires a wide variety of nutrients to strengthen and function efficiently. Vitamins are one of these nutrients. Although all vitamins are beneficial for the body, there are four that are particularly important for the immune system. Although you can give your child vitamin supplements and Wellements immune support, it is also good to incorporate these vitamins into your child’s diet through certain foods.
What Vitamins Boost Immunity?
Four vitamins in particular help boost the immune system. Although immune vitamins for kids can be given to help increase your child’s intake, it is often better to get the vitamins from organic, whole foods. The following are the most important vitamins for immune support as well as some good food sources for them.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is not only great for immunity, but a lack of it can actually make someone more prone to getting sick. It is a vitamin as well as an antioxidant, so it provides many benefits. Some good sources include citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, kale, spinach, and broccoli. It is impossible to get too much of this vitamin, as your body is unable to store it.
- Vitamin D
Vitamin D is another important nutrient for immune function. The sun is the best source, but it is not possible to get enough during colder months or in cloudy climates. Food sources include mushrooms, salmon, sardines, tuna, and fortified foods like milk.
- Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is involved with over 200 biochemical reactions in the body. Food sources include spinach, seeds, and nuts.
- Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is also involved in supporting the immune system’s biochemical reactions. Sources include chickpeas, green vegetables, salmon, and chicken.
How to Incorporate Vitamins into Your Child’s Diet
Some kids can be picky, and you may find it hard to get these important vitamins into their diet. Smoothies are a great way to incorporate strawberries, milk, and spinach. If your child likes spaghetti, try shredding carrots and finely dicing onions before adding them to the sauce, and your child will not even notice. Dicing, pureeing, and shredding help minimize the appearance of vegetables so your child will not know when they are added to soups, stews, or chilis.
Most children like to dip things. Cut up vegetables and serve them alongside a healthy dip, such as hummus, which contains vitamin B6 from the chickpeas. Most kids like peanut butter, but you can also serve sunflower or almond butter as an alternative. Serve on a traditional sandwich, crackers, or on celery sticks.
Pureed fruits and vegetables are perfect for babies beginning to eat solid foods. However, if they are too young or they do not seem to want to eat them, you can add baby multivitamin drops to water, milk, or juice.
