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Natural Immunity Boosters for Children

Children often suffer from a variety of bacterial and viral illnesses and then share their germs with other members of the family. Because of this, parents might seek natural immune system boosters to keep their children healthy. Fortunately, many foods offer natural immunity boosters. Before giving a child any dietary supplement, first consult a physician.

  1. Vitamin C

    • Vitamin C, whether in foods or supplements, helps the body produce more white blood cells, antibodies and interferon, which are elements of a healthy immune system, according to the Ask Dr. Sears website. Many foods enjoyed by children are high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and juices as well as berries. In addition, children's multivitamins supply additional vitamin C. Most people need about 200 milligrams of vitamin C daily, explains the website, and children who eat six servings of fruits and vegetables daily usually get this amount.

    Zinc

    • Zinc is a mineral and necessary micronutrient that helps the body produce more white blood cells for fighting off viral and bacterial infections. Most children need 15 to 25 milligrams of zinc a day, and this can come from fortified cereals as well as meats such as turkey or beef, as well as legumes for children who are vegetarian, according to the Dr. Sears website. Too much zinc might actually impair the immune system, so supplements are generally not recommended for use in children, explains the website.

    Lactobacillus Acidophilus

    • Lactobacillus acidophilus is a beneficial bacteria that naturally lives in a child's intestines and keeps harmful bacteria in check, explains Dr. Robert Forsythe of Riverside Pediatrics. However, children who take antibiotics for another illness might deplete their natural population of Lactobacillus acidophilus, leading to gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea. Giving a child yogurt with live, active cultures is a natural way to counter the effects of antibiotic medications. Another option is to give a child chewable tablets containing acidophilus, as recommended by a doctor.

    Garlic

    • Garlic has been used for thousands of years as an immune system booster, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center website. Fresh garlic contains allicin, a substance with antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Taking garlic might help children from acquiring illnesses such as the common cold and might even prevent certain types of cancer, explains the website. Because garlic is a strong flavor, parents might consider adding small amounts of cooked garlic to dishes children enjoy, such as spaghetti or Asian stir-fry dishes. However, too much garlic might cause children to develop an upset stomach, bad breath or body odor.

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