Inmunidad infantil: la importancia de proteger el sistema inmune de los niños

Childhood immunity: the importance of protecting children's immune systems

Rocío Périz

Childhood immunity It is one of the most important pillars of the health of young children , who from the moment they are born, face an environment full of viruses, bacteria, temperature changes, contact with other children, new foods… All of this represents a real training for their immune system, which is still immature and in the middle of the learning process.

Understanding how the immune system of young children works , why it is more vulnerable than that of adults, and how we can help strengthen it is fundamental to supporting their safe and healthy growth.

What is the immune system like in childhood?

Although not weak in the strict sense , the infant immune system is The immune system is immature , as it has not yet had enough exposure to pathogens to recognize them quickly and effectively. This is why young children get sick more often, especially during the first few years of life or when they start daycare or school.

In the first few months, the baby has partial protection thanks to antibodies transmitted by the mother during pregnancy and, later, through breastfeeding. However, this protection is temporary , and as time goes on, the child's body must learn to generate its own defenses.

This process is natural and necessary, but it also makes the childhood immunity be more sensitive to possible imbalances, infections or external factors such as stress, diet or lack of rest.

Why is children's immunity more vulnerable than that of adults?

There are several reasons why the immune system of young children is more sensitive than that of adults :

  • Reduced immunological memory : it has not yet "learned" to recognize many pathogens.

  • Natural barriers in development : the skin, mucous membranes and gut microbiota are still maturing.

  • Immature digestive system : the intestine, where much of the immune system is concentrated, is still developing.

  • High exposure : constant contact with other children increases the risk of infection.

All of this makes colds, respiratory infections, or digestive problems common in childhood, especially at certain times of the year.

The key role of the microbiota in childhood immunity

One of the key players in childhood immunity is the gut microbiota . It is estimated that around 70% of the immune system is regulated in the gut, so maintaining a balanced microbiota is essential for strong defenses.

During childhood, the gut microbiota is constantly evolving and is highly sensitive to factors such as diet, antibiotic use, and changes in routine. When this balance is disrupted, the immune system can become less efficient or overreact.

Therefore, taking care of children's digestive health is one of the most effective strategies to protect their overall immunity.

Signs that childhood immunity needs support

Every child is unique, but there are some signs that may indicate their immune system needs a boost:

  • Frequent colds or recurring infections .

  • Persistent tiredness .

  • Indigestion or intestinal discomfort .

  • Slow recoveries after illnesses .

  • Greater sensitivity to seasonal changes .

In these situations, the aim is not to "force" the defenses, but to support and balance them.

Key habits to strengthen children's immunity

  • Balanced diet :

A varied diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, quality proteins and healthy fats, provides the necessary nutrients for the proper functioning of the immune system.

  • Adequate rest :

During sleep, the body repairs itself and strengthens its defenses. Sleeping well is essential for a good immune response.

  • Movement and play :

Moderate physical activity and outdoor play stimulate the immune system and promote overall well-being.

  • Stable routines :

Children benefit from regular schedules, which help regulate their nervous system and, indirectly, their immune system.

Specialized supplementation as support for childhood immunity

At certain stages , such as seasonal changes, the beginning from daycare or school or other periods of high exposure, the specialized supplementation It can be a very effective support for children's immunity , provided it is specifically designed for children and respects their biology.

In this context, immunity kids acts like a comprehensive supplement to strengthen children's defenses in a respectful way . Its formula combines vitamins, minerals, amino acids, probiotics, medicinal mushrooms and nutrients naturally present in breast milk, acting in a coordinated manner on the immune, respiratory and digestive systems.

This holistic approach allows us to support the child's body at key moments , helping to maintain its balance and self-regulation capacity without overstimulating the immune system.

Because the childhood immunity It's not built overnight ; rather, it 's the result of daily habits, a balanced environment, and respectful support throughout development. Understanding that young children's immune systems are more vulnerable allows us to act preventively and respectfully, supporting their defenses without straining them.