Ensuring children get the protection they need to stay healthy in these times is a top priority for any mom. To help ease the worries mothers may have in terms of their children’s health, helping kids build a strong immune system is important.
The immune system protects the body against infections and other diseases. It has two main components – innate immunity and adaptive immunity. The innate immune system refers to nonspecific defense mechanisms that come into play immediately or within hours of the pathogen’s appearance in the body. These mechanisms include physical barriers such as skin, enzymes and protective proteins in the blood, and immune system cells that attack foreign cells in the body.
Adaptive immunity refers to immune responses where pathogens must first be processed and recognized during initial exposure. On subsequent exposure, invading pathogens are recognized and attacked by immune system cells and pathogen-specific antibodies. The adaptive immune system also has safeguards in place that make future responses against a specific pathogen more efficient.
Abbott has dedicated years of research to finding the right nutrients to boost the immune systems of children. Their studies reveal the powerful benefits of human milk oligosaccharides (2’-FL HMO) and nucleotides in strengthening a child’s innate and adaptive immunity.
2’-FL HMO is an immune-nourishing prebiotic that serves as food for the good bacteria in the gut and prevents bad bacteria from attaching to gut cells. In a study by Abbott, it was revealed that children who consumed a formula with 2’-FL HMO experienced significantly fewer respiratory tract infections compared to those who received formula without 2’-FL HMO. This prebiotic provides support for the innate immune system, as it strengthens a child’s natural ability to fight off infections at a very young age.
Abbott discovered that children who were fed a formula with nucleotides at levels found in human milk developed enhanced production of antibodies in response to influenza and diphtheria vaccination, which helps support the adaptive immune system’s resistance against infections.
“Good nutrition provides a strong foundation for all children to grow and thrive. With Abbott’s breakthrough science, nutrients such as 2’-FL HMO and nucleotides have now been added to Similac GainSchool growing up milk. This means parents now have access to a product that gives children protection through stronger immunity,” says Dr Jose Rodolfo Dimaano, Jr., medical director for Abbott’s nutrition business in Asia Pacific.
“HMO helps strengthen the immune system by nourishing the good bacteria in the gut, where 70% of the immune system is located. Keeping your child’s digestive system healthy also means strengthening their immunity,” Dr. Dimaano added.
Abbott understands the importance of supporting both immune system functions. The addition of 2’-FL HMO and nucleotides to Similac GainSchool helps provide children a dual dayer of protection against infections and common illnesses. Additionally, with the introduction of nucleotides, Similac GainSchool’s formulation may also help improve vaccination response against specific pathogens4. By strengthening both innate and adaptive immunity in kids, Similac GainSchool remains a trusted partner of parents in ensuring that their kids are getting the right nutrition for strong immunity.
