Pediatria pre prax 1/2024

How to enhance protective capacity of children by balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle

Cold season is characterized by increased presence of respiratory viral infections. It is cost by seasonal increase in presence of viruses with substantial contribution of decreased protective immunity of children. This is the result of complex interplays between immunity and other body systems. One from the major contributors is unhealthy lifestyle of children characterized by low physical activity, disturbances in night sleep and inadequate nutrition. Changes foccusing on lifestyle in combination with physical activity can enhance protective potential of children. This could be also improved by intervention into the nutrition. Nutrition has to contain sufficient sources of basic nutrients to mount optimal immune response. Effectivnes of protective immunity could be also enhanced by supplementation with vitamin C and D, prebiotics and probiotics and zinc.

Keywords: immunity, respiratory infections, lifestyle, vitamin C, D, prebiotics, probiotics, zinc