Tips to boost kids' immunity

With the cold and flu (not to mention swine flu) season upon us, keeping our children fit and well is a top priority, so make sure your kids are eating a healthy diet including lots of immunity-boosting nutrients

Taking steps to avoid colds and flu means keeping their immune systems strong and healthy. Research shows that poor nutrition can weaken the ability of the immune system to fight off infections. Here are our top tips:

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant (these protect cells in the body from free radical damage), which helps the body fight infection.

Foods to choose:
Citrus fruits such as oranges
Kiwi
Broccoli
Red and green peppers

Vitamin A

Another vitamin in the antioxidant family, which promotes new cell growth and helps protect against cold, flu and lung infections. Vitamin A is also important in the production of mucous, which keeps invaders out!

Foods to choose:
Sweet potato
Pumpkin

Vitamin D

Produced by the skin when it is exposed to direct sunlight, vitamin D helps to keep the immune system strong. Deficiency in this vitamin has been shown the increase the risk of respiratory infections in children. Cod liver oil is a good source of vitamin D, especially during the winter months, when sunshine is scarce.

Foods to choose
Oily fish such as salmon and mackerel
Eggs