Boosting Back-to-School Immunity

Back-to-school often means back-to-school bugs as it’s inevitable that they will be exposed to colds, flu and various other “germs” when sitting in a classroom all day.

This can lead to days off school and days off work for parents. Here are some ways you can naturally increase their (and your) immunity.

Vitamin C

Probably the most well-known nutrient for immune defence vitamin C helps support a normal healthy immune system by helping to protect cells and keep them healthy. This vitamin can easily obtain through diet as it is abundant in many foods, such as:

• citrus fruit
• red and green peppers
• strawberries
• blackcurrants
• broccoli

Daily requirements

1-10 years – 30mg

11-14 years – 35mg

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is crucial for activating immune defences and without sufficient intake, the immune system will not be able to react to fight off infections in the body.

The best source of vitamin D is through the skin’s exposure to sunlight, though food sources include:

• Oily fish
• Red meat
• Egg yolks

Dosage recommendations

The UK Department of Health recommend that we all supplement vitamin D throughout the winter months, with children under 5 years old considered an ‘at risk’ group for vitamin D deficiency, it is recommended that they should be given a daily supplement all year round.

Though with an estimated 1 in 6 children in the UK suffering from low levels due to lack of sunlight and and the inability to obtain sufficient levels through diet alone, a daily supplement should be considered for children of all ages.

Our vitamin D requirements vary as we grow older, so we’ve created a range of vitamin D products to support your child through their formative years.