The Importance of Milk's Role to Strengthen Children's Endurance

Milk is known as a good source of calcium for the growth of teeth and bones. But not only that, the natural and additional content in milk can also support the child's body.

The immune system keeps the body healthy by recognizing and fighting bacteria, viruses, and parasites. In order for the immune system to work optimally, children's nutrition must be fulfilled properly.

One of the efforts to strengthen children's immune system is to provide them with additional nutritional intake, such as milk. The benefits of milk for children's immune systems are obtained from the nutritional content in a glass of milk

The Role of Milk to Strengthen Children's Immunity

Milk is a source of protein that contains various minerals, such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. Milk also contains multivitamins, such as vitamins A, B, D, and E

Some types of milk for children are also added with vitamin C, cod liver oil which is rich in DHA and EPA, iron, and dietary fiber inulin which makes it more nutritious.

The following is the role of the nutrients contained in a glass of cow's milk and its benefits for children's immune systems:

1. Proteins

Protein helps the formation of immunoglobulins or antibodies to fight infection. Antibodies are proteins in the blood that protect the body from bacteria and viruses

In addition, protein is needed to build and repair damaged body tissues.

2. Zinc

Zinc or zinc is a mineral needed to support the body's defense function and metabolism. Zinc plays a role in stimulating the formation of immune cells, so that it can fight infection and speed up the healing process

3. Selenium

Selenium has antioxidant properties that play an important role in the immune system. Antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress in the body, reduce inflammation, and increase endurance.

Studies have shown that increased levels of selenium in the blood are associated with an increased immune response. On the other hand, deficiency of this substance has been shown to decrease immune cell function.

4. Vitamin C

Vitamin C has various roles in strengthening the immune system. First, vitamin C promotes the production of white blood cells, namely lymphocytes and phagocytes, which protect the body from infection.

Secondly, vitamin C makes white blood cells function more effectively while protecting them from free radical damage.

Thirdly, research shows that taking vitamin C can increase the skin barrier which speeds up wound healing.

5. Vitamin D

The type of vitamin D found in milk is vitamin D3. This vitamin has anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties which are important for the activation of the immune system.

More specifically, vitamin D enhances the function of immune cells, including T cells and macrophages, which protect the body from infection and disease.

6. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a micronutrient that plays an important role in vision function. Not only that, vitamin A also plays a role in maintaining the immune system.

Research reveals a relationship between micronutrient deficiencies in children, especially vitamin A, and the occurrence of diseases that are transmitted through the respiratory and digestive systems.

Because of its important role in maintaining the immune system, WHO recommends giving high-dose vitamin A supplements for children aged 6 months to 5 years.

In addition to food and supplements, vitamin A needs can also be met through consumption of milk fortified with vitamin A.

7. DHA

In addition to several vitamins and minerals as previously mentioned, DHA is also important to be given to optimize children's brain development. One source of DHA that is easily obtained is from the consumption of seafood, one of which is cod liver oil.

In addition to containing DHA (a type of omega-3 fat), cod liver oil contains a number of other important nutrients, such as vitamins A and D. These ingredients are important for children's growth and development, including cell growth, maintaining eye health, and strengthening immune system, and reduce the risk of several diseases in the future.

In addition to providing good nutrition, parents also need to teach their children clean and healthy living habits, such as washing hands, to avoid germs that cause disease. No less important, complete the vaccination of children at doctors and health facilities according to the IDAI immunization schedule.

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