The importance of the role of milk in strengthening children's immunity
Health
The immune system keeps the body healthy by recognizing and fighting bacteria, viruses and parasites. For the immune system to function properly, children must be properly nourished.
One of the efforts to strengthen a child's immune system is to provide him with a higher intake of nutrients, such as milk. The benefits of milk for children's immune system can be derived from the nutritional content of a glass of milk.
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| Source: Klikdokter.com |
The role of milk in strengthening the immune system in children Milk is a source of protein with a number of minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium and zinc. Milk also contains multivitamins such as vitamins A, B, D and E.
Other types of baby milk are also supplemented with vitamin C, cod liver oil rich in DHA and EPA, iron and dietary fiber inulin for its nutrition.
Below is the role of the nutrients present in a glass of cow's milk and their contribution to the child's immune system:
The importance of the role of milk in strengthening children's immunity
1. Protein
Egg white helps in the production of immunoglobulins as antibodies to fight infection. Antibodies are blood proteins that protect the body from bacteria and viruses.In addition, proteins are needed to build and repair damaged body tissues.
2. Zinc
Zinc or zinc is a mineral needed to support the body's defense function and metabolism. Zinc plays a role in stimulating the production of immune cells so that it can fight infection and speed up the healing process.3. Selenium
Selenium has antioxidant properties that play an important role in the immune system. Antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress in the body, reduce inflammation and increase endurance.Studies have shown that elevated levels of selenium in the blood are associated with increased resistance. On the other hand, a lack of this substance has been shown to reduce the function of immune cells.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C has several roles in strengthening the immune system. First, vitamin C promotes the production of white blood cells, which are lymphocytes and phagocytes that protect the body from infection.Second, vitamin C ensures that white blood cells function more efficiently while protecting against free radical damage. Third, research has shown that drinking vitamin C can increase the skin barrier, which can speed up wound healing.
5. Vitamin D
The type of vitamin D found in milk is vitamin D3. This vitamin has anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties that are essential for activating the immune system.More specifically, vitamin D increases the function of immune cells, including T cells and macrophages, which protect the body from infection and disease.
6. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a micronutrient that plays an important role in vision. Not only that, vitamin A also plays a role in maintaining the immune system.Research has shown a link between micronutrient deficiencies in children, especially vitamin A, and the incidence of diseases transmitted by the respiratory and digestive systems.
Due to its important role in maintaining the immune system, the WHO recommends that children from 6 months to 5 years of age receive high doses of vitamin A supplements. In addition to food and supplements, the need for vitamin A can also be met by consuming milk enriched with vitamin A.
7. DHA
In addition to many vitamins and minerals, as already mentioned, it is important to supply DHA to optimize brain development in children. One source of DHA that is readily available is seafood consumption, one of which is cod liver oil.In addition to containing DHA (a type of omega-3 fat), cod liver oil contains many other important nutrients, such as vitamins A and D. These ingredients are important for a child's growth and development, including cell growth, maintaining eye health, and strengthening the immune system. and reduce the risk of certain diseases later in life.
In addition to providing good food, parents should also teach their children clean and healthy living habits, such as hand washing, to prevent germs. Most importantly, complete your child's vaccination with a doctor or health care provider according to the vaccination schedule.