Enhancement of Immunity and Health in Neonates and Infants

Abstract

Immunity is protective mechanism of the body against infection, diseases, and cancers. The stronger the immunity is the healthier we are. With increasing environmental change worldwide, increase of new emerging diseases and infection over last few decades, it has become imperative to move toward prevention more than the treatment. The immune mechanism in pediatric population especially neonates and infants is much different than adults and is yet evolving. The development of immunity starts in utero and is dependent on several factors. The various efforts to improve immunity and health should start from antenatal period focusing on overall health and nutrition of mother. Maternal nutrition, antenatal steroids, and delayed cord clamping are helpful in decreasing various neonatal morbidities which include respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and mortality. After birth during initial 6 months, exclusive breastfeeding, growth monitoring, primary immunization, developmentally supportive care, and care of infections are of utmost importance. After 6 months of age, a balanced approach toward introduction of complementary feeding, care of micronutrients, optimal environment, and inclusion of immunity enhancing foods in diet may have considerable benefits.