Types of immunity
Immunity includes humoral and cellular immunity. Let's look at each of them in more detail. Humoral is ensured by the presence of antibodies (substances that bind to antigens) in the blood. Cellular is provided by cells of the immune system. Immunity can be congenital or acquired. In turn, the acquired one can be active or passive. Active develops after illness, for example, ARVI. It also forms after vaccination. Passive is formed when ready-made antibodies are transfused into the body in the form of serum. It also develops when antibodies are passed from a mother's milk to her newborn baby. In fact, natural immunity includes congenital immunity, acquired after an illness, as well as passive immunity during the transfer of antibodies from mother to baby. Artificial immunity is called immunity after the introduction of a vaccine or serum with antibodies.
Why do children need vitamins?
Vitamins are substances that regulate, normalize, and stimulate the growth and development of the child’s body. They provide:
- harmonious mental, mental, speech development;
- proper metabolism;
- complete absorption of food;
- coordinated work of organ systems and the most important biological mechanisms;
- give the energy and strength necessary for games and exploring the world.
The value of multivitamins lies in their ability to replace and replenish missing useful macro- and microelements, and therefore contribute to the normal growth and development of the child. Despite the fact that the daily need for vitamins for a child is only thousandths of a gram, full growth, development, yes and life itself without them is simply impossible.
The following signs indicate that a child lacks vitamins:
- abrasions and wounds heal slowly;
- bruises appear even from minor injuries;
- the skin is very pale, and the nails and hair are breaking;
- low appetite;
- poor sleep at night, drowsiness and lethargy during the day;
- fatigue, lack of interest in favorite toys and activities;
- irritability, tearfulness, bad mood;
- slow growth, incorrect posture;
- the skin is dry and prone to irritation, rashes and peeling;
- the lips quickly become chapped, pockets (small ulcers) form in the corners of the mouth;
- When brushing your teeth, blood appears;
- problems with stool;
- the child often catches acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections.
An acute deficiency in vitamins is experienced by children born prematurely, as well as babies who catch a lot of colds, have suffered serious illnesses, injuries and surgeries or severe emotional shocks, spend little time in the fresh air and eat poorly.
If the child generally develops normally, eats well, is cheerful, active, and rarely gets sick, then taking multivitamin preparations is not strictly necessary for him. But this does not mean that he is not lacking in certain vitamins. For example, if your family lives in a region where there are very few sunny days, then the child probably has a deficiency of vitamin D, which is synthesized only under the influence of ultraviolet rays.
Ideally, a child should receive most vitamins, minerals and other essential substances through food. But life experience shows that not all children eat well and properly, and this is not due to “bad” parents. Many kids are actually very selective in their food preferences, for example, they eat only pasta and cannot stand soups and vegetables, and of all fruits they prefer only apples. Every second mother faces the problem of feeding her child the right food.
Check if your baby is getting everything he needs with food. Here is an approximate complete diet for a week:
- dishes made from fresh or at least freshly frozen red meat - beef, pork, lamb, veal - at least twice;
- poultry dishes - at least three times;
- dishes from fresh or frozen river and sea fish - at least twice;
- dairy and fermented milk products – daily;
- eggs - at least twice;
- vegetable oils and butter – daily;
- fresh fruits and vegetables - at least five types daily;
- food rich in fast and slow carbohydrates - no more than 50% of the total food eaten per day. These are cereals, pasta, pastries, sweets and desserts.
If your child eats something like this, then his body will absorb everything it needs from food. An urgent need for an additional source of vitamins arises in the following cases:
- infectious diseases and conditions after them;
- periods of intense growth;
- serious mental and physical overload.
If the child’s actual diet does not correspond to the list above, parents need to take care of purchasing multivitamin preparations to compensate for the deficiency of vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
Immune organs
After we have examined the concept of immunity and its main types, it is necessary to pay attention to the organs that provide it.
There are central and peripheral organs of the immune system.
The central ones include:
- Red bone marrow. Found in bones. Serves as a source of formation of all blood cells, including cells of the immune system.
- Thymus. It further matures some of the immune system cells coming from the red bone marrow.
Peripheral organs:
- Lymph nodes.
- Spleen.
- Accumulations of lymphoid cells in the skin, respiratory organs, and intestines.
Features of the formation of immunity in children
The formation of immunity in children has its own characteristics depending on age.
A feature of the formation of the immune system in children is the presence of so-called “ critical ” periods:
- The first critical period after the birth of a baby is the neonatal period. At this time, the baby encounters a huge number of pathogens. The immune system during this period is subject to strong immunosuppressive effects. This period is characterized by low resistance to many infections. There is a tendency to develop common infections.
- The second period occurs at the age of 3-6 months. It is characterized by a weakening of immune reactions due to the destruction of antibodies that were transmitted from the mother.
- The third period develops in the second year of life. During this period, the baby's contact with the outside world increases significantly. At this age, many abnormalities of the immune system appear, as well as autoimmune (directed against one’s own body) diseases. Children are prone to repeated acute respiratory infections.
- The fourth period occurs in the 4th-6th years of life. This period is characterized by a high prevalence of allergic and parasitic diseases. During this period, many chronic diseases develop.
- The fifth period occurs during adolescence. For girls this corresponds to 12-13 years old, for boys - from 14-15 years old. A large growth spurt is accompanied by a decrease in the mass of lymphoid (immune) organs. An increase in the formation of male sex hormones leads to a decrease in the cellular component of immunity. In this regard, many allergic diseases are weakened. The influence of the external environment on the development of immunity is increasing. At this time, there is a new rise in the incidence of chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, and viral diseases.
The processes of formation of the immune system in children can slow down under the influence of various external factors:
- Xenobiotics (chemicals).
- Intrauterine infections
- Frequent ARVI and digestive tract infections.
- The influence of environmental environmental factors and many others.
Some external factors can slow down the development of the immune system in children.
These factors, which slow down the formation of the immune system in children, lead to functional immaturity of the immune system and, accordingly, predispose them to the development of immunodeficiency states (a state of reduced immunity).
Vitamins and their role in immunity
Vitamins are substances necessary for normal life, the formation of which in the body is absent or very limited. Basically, the source of these substances in children is food and intestinal bacteria, which are also capable of forming them.
They have their own characteristics:
- They are not included in the structure of the baby’s organs and tissues.
- Not used by the body as a source of energy.
Depending on their ability to dissolve in water or fat, vitamins are divided into two large groups:
- Fat soluble . These include vitamins A, D, E, K, as well as vitamin-like substances - ubiquinone (vitamin Q), essential fatty acids (vitamin F).
- Water soluble . These include vitamins B, H, C, vitamin-like substances - choline, lipoic acid, carnitine, orotic acid and others.
Unfortunately, there are reasons that can lead to a decrease in the level of these substances in the body. This problem has a medical name - hypo- and avitaminosis.
Causes of hypo- and avitaminosis:
- Impact of environmental factors.
- Poor nutrition.
- Malabsorption.
- High need (for example, in premature infants and during puberty).
- Liver diseases.
- Increased breakdown of vitamins.
- Damage to intestinal microflora. You can find out more about this problem in our article.
The best vitamins for children: rating
The best vitamins are not just supplements, but drugs that will really help solve health problems and will not harm the child. This is why it is important to choose the best products from well-known manufacturers: they are more likely to be useful and safe (for example, they will not provoke an allergic reaction) than vitamins from unknown brands.
The table below shows the rating of vitamins for children of different ages:
Read more about the best vitamins for children (prices are indicative).
For babies under one year old:
Aquadetrim
Image: aquadetrim.com.
This is an aqueous solution of vitamin D3, adapted specifically for children under one year old. Designed for the prevention of rickets. Due to the fact that the drug is dissolved in a water base, Aquadetrim is instantly absorbed into the baby’s intestines, which helps to avoid colic and other digestive problems.
Advantages of the drug:
- strengthens the nervous and immune system;
- replenishes vitamin D3 deficiency.
Flaws:
- According to some parents, it is inconvenient to use the drug dispenser;
- If used incorrectly, an overdose or side effects may occur (nausea, vomiting, constipation, colic, weakness and disturbances in appetite and sleep).
Price : 200 rubles.
Multi-Tabs Baby
The vitamins are suitable for children under one year of age: they have no side effects, and thanks to their neutral taste, children take the product without any whims. They contain vitamins A and C, and D in small quantities (if you live in a region where there is little sun, you will most likely have to take additional vitamin D).
Advantages of the drug:
- strengthens the immune system;
- has a positive effect on the condition of bones, teeth and skin;
- small dosage and ease of administration (both during meals and before use);
- excellent tolerability and minimum contraindications.
Flaws:
- The bottle can only be stored in the refrigerator; after opening, the drug is good for only 2 months.
Price: 350 rubles.
Liquid Vitamin C ChildLife
American single-component vitamins with ascorbic acid are intended for children over 6 months. Vitamin C is necessary for children to strengthen the immune system and, according to parents, after taking dietary supplements, children actually get sick much less often.
Advantages of the drug:
- pleasant orange taste;
- natural composition;
- economical consumption.
Flaws:
- quite high price;
- an allergic reaction is possible.
Price: 850 rubles.
For 1-3 years:
Solgar Kangavites
A vitamin and mineral complex from the USA with a well-thought-out composition: with this remedy there will definitely be no vitamin deficiency in children. One tablet of Solgar Kangavites contains the daily requirement of vitamins and microelements necessary for a child. The drug is available in the form of chewable tablets.
Advantages of the drug:
- natural composition;
- completely satisfies the body’s need for nutrients;
- large volume - 120 tablets per package.
Flaws:
- high price;
- The child may not like the fact that the chewable tablet is chewed with little effort.
Price: 1000 rubles.
Alphabet Our Baby
One sachet of popular Russian vitamins contains up to 50% of the nutrients necessary for a child - a total of 11 vitamins and 5 minerals. The drug is one of the few of its kind - created on the principles of separate and joint intake of vitamins and minerals, due to which allergies are practically eliminated, and the beneficial substances themselves are absorbed better and faster.
Advantages of the drug:
- good composition;
- helps improve appetite;
- strengthens the immune system;
- has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and mental development of the baby;
- hypoallergenic;
- low calorie content;
- does not require swallowing.
Flaws:
- The contents of the sachet should be dissolved in water and taken three times a day.
Price: 500 rubles.
Syrup Pikovit
The syrup contains useful substances important for the child’s health: vitamin A, D3, C, B vitamins. It is especially suitable for nutritional disorders: poor appetite or an insufficiently varied diet.
Advantages of the drug:
- According to reviews, Pikovit really helps a child improve appetite and cope with increased fatigue;
- tastes good.
Flaws:
- a pleasant taste is achieved due to the dyes and flavors in the composition.
Price: 500 rubles.
For preschoolers over 3 years old:
Supradin Kids
Dragees contain a full range of nutrients for a growing, active child. The composition includes vitamins responsible for good vision, strengthening the immune system, and normal functioning of the nervous system. The complex is supplemented with iodine and zinc - important elements for the proper physical development of a preschooler.
Advantages of the drug:
- Children like the taste;
- good composition;
- quickly restores existing deficits;
- eye protection and general strengthening of the immune system;
- convenient regimen.
Flaws:
- contains quite a lot of sugar.
Price: 550 rubles.
Alphabet Kindergarten
Multi-colored chewable tablets with, as the manufacturer himself indicates, a competent combination of components. Alphabet Kindergarten contains vitamins and minerals necessary for the physical and mental development of a preschooler: A, E, C, group B, magnesium, calcium, zinc.
The process of taking vitamins is also interesting for children - each tablet has its own taste and color. Take the drug three times a day: morning, lunch and evening with food.
Advantages of the drug:
- promotes growth and physical development;
- improves memory;
- the tablets taste good;
- does not contain artificial colors or preservatives.
Flaws:
- You need to take the product three times a day, which is not always convenient.
Price: 300 rubles.
VitrumKids Plus
Designed to replenish the nutrients necessary for the child: they contain 12 vitamins and 10 minerals. The content of vitamins A and D in the preparation is especially high - they are enough to fully satisfy the child’s body’s need for these vitamins.
Chewable tablets come in the shape of funny teddy bears and, despite the not very pleasant taste, children willingly take the toy-like tablets.
Advantages of the drug:
- variety of vitamins and minerals;
- regular use has a good effect on the formation of teeth, strengthening the immune system, and the normal functioning of the nervous system;
- The tablets have an interesting shape for the child and are easy to chew;
- especially relevant during periods of intensive growth;
- does not need to be washed down with water or swallowed;
- compensates for most of the necessary substances for the child’s body;
- One pack is enough for one course.
Flaws:
- not very pleasant to the taste, contain dyes and flavors. Low content of vitamin C. If the dosage is violated, an allergic reaction is possible.
Price: 500 rubles.
For younger students:
Alphabet Schoolboy
The complex, containing 11 vitamins and 7 minerals, is designed to make it easier for students to cope with mental and emotional stress.
The drug is taken three times a day - each tablet performs its own function: some tablets replenish iron deficiency, others contribute to the full development of the student, and others strengthen bones and teeth.
Advantages of the drug:
- high efficiency due to separate administration of tablets;
- good composition.
Flaws:
- contains dyes and flavors;
- One package is not enough for a full course.
Price: 350 rubles.
Univit Kids with Omega-3 and Choline
The high content of B vitamins makes the drug an excellent assistant in adapting to new conditions. Lozenges in the shape of dolphins can improve memory and increase a child’s performance.
Advantages of the drug:
- has a good effect on the nervous system and mental development;
- attractive shape for children;
- reliable manufacturer (Germany);
- strengthening the immune system.
Flaws:
- not very pleasant taste;
- tablets are harsh:
- contraindicated in diabetes.
Price: 600 rubles.
Doppelhertz Kinder
Chewable lozenges with useful substances that schoolchildren need: 10 vitamins, zinc, choline and iodine. Designed for the full physical and intellectual development of the student.
Advantages of the drug:
- good composition;
- suitable for children with excess weight or diabetes due to the absence of artificial additives and low energy value;
- high efficiency and quick results.
Flaws:
- cannot always be found in pharmacies.
Price: 500 rubles.
For teenagers:
Complivit Active
Fruit-flavored dragees are created specifically to support health during increased mental and physical stress. It contains 12 vitamins and 10 minerals that help improve vision, normalize the functioning of the nervous system, strengthen bone tissue, and cleanse the skin.
Advantages of the drug:
- thoughtful composition;
- compensates for the deficiency of nutrients due to an unbalanced diet;
- simple form of administration and affordable price.
Flaws:
- artificial colors in the composition.
Price: 200 rubles.
Pikovit Forte
The tablets contain B vitamins, vitamins A, C, D and E. They work comprehensively: they help a teenager get rid of fatigue, stimulate mental activity, support immunity and reduce anxiety typical of adolescence.
Advantages of the drug:
- significantly improves the emotional and physical state of a senior student, even with active sports;
- take only 1 time per day.
Flaws:
- contains artificial flavors;
- takes a long time to dissolve.
Price: 380 rubles.
Multi-Tabs Junior
Chewable tablets with a variety of fruity and sweet flavors contain the most essential substances for a rapidly growing body. They help eliminate the negative consequences of poor nutrition and successfully cope with a high academic load.
Advantages of the drug:
- high efficiency;
- pleasant taste.
Flaws:
- artificial flavoring additives in the composition.
Price: 350 rubles.
Symptoms of vitamin deficiency
A lack of certain vitamins can lead to decreased immunity.
Hypovitaminosis, as a rule, has nonspecific symptoms. These include: increased fatigue, decreased body defenses, weakness, lethargy. Vitamin deficiencies have more specific (certain) symptoms. We will not dwell on each vitamin deficiency in more detail, but will only consider vitamins, the lack of which can lead to a decrease in immunity.
These include:
- Vitamin A . Its deficiency is manifested by damage to the eyes, skin, and increased susceptibility to infections.
- Vitamins of group B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal). A lack of these substances can lead to dermatitis, lymphopenia (decreased levels of immune cells), anemia, and convulsions.
- Biotin . A deficiency of this substance can lead to seborrhea, hair loss, and deterioration of the immune system.
- Vitamin C . A lack of vitamin C leads to increased fragility of blood vessels, fatigue, pain in the limbs, tooth loss, poor wound healing, and increased susceptibility to infections.
- Vitamin D . A lack of vitamin D leads to the development of rickets in the baby, which is also accompanied by a decrease in immunity and an increase in the overall morbidity of the baby.
Content:
- Children's vitamins: what are they and does your child need them?
- Vitamins for children: features of choice
- The best vitamins for children: rating For babies under one year old
- For 1-3 years
- For preschoolers over 3 years old
- For younger students
- For teenagers
- At what age should a child be given vitamins?
