Alphabet During the cold season for children, chewable tablets No. 60 (dietary supplement)

Can vitamins strengthen a child’s immunity?

advises a medical pediatrician How to properly protect a child from colds with the help of vitamins and nutritional supplements is a question that worries every mother.
Indeed, there are a number of vitamins, minerals and products containing them, the inclusion of which in a child’s diet is necessary to maintain the child’s health. All parents have likely seen advertisements for products and supplements that claim to boost a child's immune system to help prevent colds and flu. Typically, these “immune-boosting” products include vitamins, multivitamins, and probiotics. However, this approach advertised by pharmaceutical companies is not entirely scientific. Although some vitamins have been found to alter some components of immune function, there is still no evidence that they actually strengthen the immune system to the point that a child will be better protected from infections and diseases.

From a scientific point of view, the opposite thesis is true:

Lack of vitamins may contribute to increased morbidity. Various micronutrient deficiencies - such as zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid and vitamins A, B6, C, D and E - do play a role in the development of some diseases. Vitamins can help prevent disease and other health problems, but only in children and adults with severe vitamin deficiencies.

It is important to know: vitamins will do little to help you stay healthy if your child is already healthy. This means that an increased level of fortification will not contribute in any way to “increasing” the child’s immunity. Vitamins can support healthy immunity, but do not “strengthen” it.

More vitamins than you need does not mean “better”! In some cases, an overdose of vitamins can cause harm to the body due to a toxic “cumulative” effect or hormone-like effect, and can cause hypervitaminosis.

What are vitamins?

A very precise definition of vitamins was given by Albert Szent-Gyorgy, a Nobel Prize winner in physiology or medicine: “A vitamin is a substance, the deficiency of which makes you sick if you don’t eat it.”

Vitamins (vital amines) are a group of organic compounds that are necessary for normal physiological functioning, but which are not synthesized endogenously by the body, or are not synthesized in sufficient quantities. Therefore, vitamins must come from food, either in the form of drugs or nutritional supplements.

First of all, for normal development, children and adults require adequate intake of 13 vitamins:

four fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)

and nine water-soluble vitamins : vitamin C, eight B vitamins: thiamine -B1, riboflavin - B2, niacin - B3, pantothenic acid -B5, vitamin B6, folate - B9 and vitamin B12.

Vitamins and their metabolites are necessary for the body for a large number of physiological processes, performing a variety of functions as hormones and antioxidants, regulators of tissue growth and differentiation, embryonic development and calcium metabolism. In addition, vitamins play an important role in the immune system, which extends to both the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. While some vitamins, such as vitamins C, E, and B vitamins, may act in relatively nonspecific ways in the immune system (eg, as antioxidants), other vitamins, such as vitamins A and D, may influence the immune response in very specific ways. : activate and promote the proliferation of lymphocytes, differentiation of T-helper cells, ensure the production of specific antibodies. Vitamins A and D also differ markedly from other vitamins in that the products of their transformation in the body have hormone-like properties.

One of the most important vitamins for maintaining the normal functioning of a child's immune system is vitamin D.

The term “vitamin D” covers a number of steroid-like proteins: vitamins D2-D7, of which vitamins D2 and D3 have the maximum physiological significance for humans, since they become active substances in the body that participate in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.

Vitamin D deficiency affects the development of diseases characterized by autoimmune dysfunction, such as asthma, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. But vitamin D's effects on the immune system extend beyond just autoimmune diseases. The vitamin is involved in the mechanisms of the innate and adaptive immune response. Overall, it acts not only to stimulate the innate immune response to microbial pathogens, but also to suppress excessive immune responses. Vitamin D influences the ability of the innate immune system to instruct the adaptive immune response.

Several recent epidemiological studies have found an association between vitamin D deficiency and respiratory infections among children. The incidence of viral infections, especially in children, usually peaks during the winter months when skin synthesis of vitamin D is naturally impaired due to lack of sunlight. Infections observed in children with insufficient supply of vitamin D are most often viral in nature. Many scientific studies show that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels plays a significant role in protecting against upper and lower respiratory tract infections. For example, children with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to have acute viral bronchiolitis.

Vitamin D deficiency in adults is closely associated with the incidence of tuberculosis, influenza, autoimmune diseases, prostate, colon and breast cancer, and myocardial infarction. In children, a lack of vitamin D, in addition to rickets, leads to type 1 diabetes mellitus, and increases the risk of developing allergies and atopic diseases. For example, the vitamin is capable of inducing antimicrobial activity in macrophages in response to tuberculosis infection. The vitamin is also involved in the action of trillin receptors, which cause an antimicrobial response to infection. Vitamin D may even play a role in restoring immune dysfunction due to HIV infection. HIV-positive patients receiving vitamin D show an increase in the number of CD4 immune cells and T cells.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A deficiency is associated with impaired gut immune responses, and increased mortality associated with gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. Vitamin A enters the body with food in the form of all-trans retinol, retinyl esters or beta-carotene. Carotene is found in yellow, orange and green leaves of fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and others. Vitamin A is stored in the liver.

Vitamin A metabolites influence several aspects of the adaptive immune response. Retinoic acid enhances the activity and proliferation of protective T cells. Also, in some cases, retinoic acid enhances the activation of immune B cells and reduces their death, and has the ability to stimulate the differentiation of IgA immunoglobulin.

Which ones to choose?

Before buying certain vitamins for ARVI in adults

, you need to consult a doctor and undergo an examination to determine their level in the body. Yes, yes, in addition to the beneficial properties that all vitamins have, some of them tend to accumulate in the body, causing a negative effect in the form of toxic reactions.

But you can buy multivitamin complexes on your own in the autumn-winter period. The doses of vitamins and minerals they contain, as a rule, are less than the daily average, so there is no risk of overdose. But they will maintain the balance of nutrients in the body during the cold season. In addition, vitamins to avoid getting ARVI

, are formulated in such a way that all substances complement each other.

vitamins for colds
The main mistake that many people make when taking these complexes is to take the “vitamin” first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. Most preparations contain inorganic salts, apple cider vinegar, as well as preservatives and dyes, which are bad for the digestive system. To avoid stomach discomfort, take vitamins after colds

It should be taken after meals and washed down with regular drinking water. Coffee, teas, juices, and especially carbonated water contain components that interfere with the absorption of nutrients.

It is also not recommended to take vitamins for acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections.

simultaneously with antibiotics - during treatment this is pointless.

But after an illness, taking a course of vitamins is even useful to support the body.

Vitamin C and colds

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vitamin found in certain food sources such as citrus fruits, berries, potatoes and peppers. The vitamin is also sold in the form of dietary supplements. Vitamin C is important for the formation of collagen, blood vessels, cartilage and muscle, so it helps maintain the integrity of many tissues in the body, including the skin. It is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, chemicals that are important for signaling in the nervous system. In addition, vitamin C promotes the production of carnitine, a chemical that supports the transport and breakdown of fatty acids to produce energy.

Vitamin C is vital for maintaining the body's overall health and is found in high concentrations in immune cells. This raises the possibility that vitamin C is an immune stimulant, although its mechanism of action is not yet clear.

The human body cannot form or produce vitamin C, and therefore it is essential that vitamin C is obtained in the correct doses from external sources.

Best plant sources of vitamin C:

• Black currant, rose hips,
• tomatoes, pepper
• broccoli, kiwi

An obvious benefit of consuming vitamin C is the prevention of scurvy, especially in children at risk such as those who are malnourished, have limited food choices or have bowel disease.

The role of vitamin C in preventing colds has been extensively studied, and all evidence suggests that vitamin C does not help prevent or cure colds . Some studies suggest that taking vitamin C may shorten the duration of illness. However, taking vitamin C on a regular basis does not reduce the incidence or severity of colds. Considering the low cost of the drug and its high safety profile, parents can use ascorbic acid as an adjuvant in the treatment of colds. But there is no need to take vitamin C daily during the winter months as a preventive measure for colds. Moreover, it is not recommended due to the possibility of increasing urinary oxalate excretion and therefore increasing the risk of calcium (oxalate) stones.

Who may need higher doses of vitamin C?

The following groups of people should eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, and perhaps also pay attention to vitamin complexes:

• smokers and those who live with them are passive smokers;
• those who adhere to strict diets and do not receive enough nutrients and vitamins from food;
• living in megacities and areas with unfavorable environmental conditions;
• clinic patients who have undergone surgical operations;
• women who take oral contraceptives.

Those who are often tired, lack sleep and regularly experience stress may also need additional doses of vitamin C in order to prevent the development of vitamin deficiency. 10 Before starting to take vitamin complexes, it is recommended to consult a doctor. The specialist will select the dosage taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

B vitamins

B vitamins comprise a group of eight water-soluble vitamins that play important, closely interrelated roles in cellular function by serving as coenzymes in a wide range of catabolic and anabolic enzymatic reactions: B vitamins are commonly synthesized by plants, with their synthesis occurring in plant chloroplasts, mitochondria and cytosol is carefully regulated according to the changing needs of the plant. An exception is vitamin B12, which is synthesized by bacteria and usually isolated from animal products.

Vitamin B6 is important for maintaining certain biochemical reactions in the immune system. Foods rich in vitamin B6 include chicken, salmon and tuna. Vitamin B6 is also found in green vegetables and chickpeas.

How to “raise” immunity and not drop it back?

A strong immune system is the body’s best defense against any disease, including ARVI, tonsillitis (sore throat), laryngitis and pharyngitis. A good immune response is an obstacle to infectious agents (viral, bacterial and fungal). Immunity develops from the first days of life and constantly needs support. 2

You can strengthen your immune system if you adhere to well-known but invariably useful rules: try to lead a healthy lifestyle, get enough sleep, devote time to physical activity every day and eat right, eating enough vegetables and fruits. Remember that even mild and unexpressed vitamin deficiencies can reduce your body's ability to fight the daily onslaught of infections.

Sources of vitamins for child health

During fetal development, a child receives most of its essential vitamins from its mother. Water-soluble vitamins B and C are actively transported across the placenta throughout pregnancy, while fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E begin to reach the fetus only at the end of pregnancy. Vitamin K is transferred in small quantities.

After birth, if the baby is breastfed : he receives vitamins with mother's milk. A healthy mother without vitamin deficiency can provide her baby with most essential vitamins through breast milk, except vitamins D and K. Vitamin K is synthesized by intestinal microflora. Also, the newborn’s body uses vitamin K reserves accumulated in the liver during intrauterine development. Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin when exposed to sunlight.

When feeding with formula, the child receives a set of essential vitamins included in the formula. Infant formulas are formulated in such a way that children receiving 150 ml of formula per kg of body weight per day receive adequate intake of all vitamins. However, when feeding infant formula, it has been shown that it can negatively affect intestinal functions, leading to changes in vitamin absorption and absorption compared to breast milk. Therefore, even with a sufficient amount of milk formula consumption, the child may experience a lack of certain vitamins.

All children of vegans and vegetarians are at risk, since the breast milk of their mothers obviously does not contain a set of all necessary vitamins in sufficient quantities.
Table: Content of vitamins in breast milk and infant formula (U/100 ml)

Natural dietary sources of vitamin D are limited. Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish (such as salmon, pickled herring, and canned pink salmon with bones in oil), fish oil, cod liver, and sun-dried shiitake mushrooms. But none of these foods are part of the typical diet for teenagers, children or infants. Vitamin-fortified foods, such as infant formula, cow's milk, orange juice, breakfast cereals, cheese and butter, are more likely to be consumed by children but contain significantly less than the required amount of vitamin D.

Generally, multivitamin supplements have become a widely accepted source for correcting vitamin deficiencies. Most dietary supplements contain plant-based vitamin D2 (calciferol), which is biochemically less active than vitamin D3, obtained from cod liver oil.

How much, when and what vitamins should a child be given?

In all cases, the need to take vitamins, their duration and dosage should be discussed with the pediatrician. Vitamin deficiency in the body can only be determined by conducting appropriate blood tests. Giving a child vitamins just because he is “pale in appearance” is simply dangerous!

Vitamin supplements can be introduced from the age of 6 months. In some cases, as prescribed by a doctor, vitamin supplements can be started after 1 month of life. In conditions of deficiency of vitamins A, C and D, the child must be given for at least 3 years in a row, and it is even more advisable to extend the course of fortification for five years. Children of vegans and vegetarians should be especially careful when taking vitamins; children who drink less than 500 ml of formula per day do not have the opportunity to be exposed to sunlight every day. For example, in St. Petersburg, due to lack of insolation, there is a clinical deficiency of vitamin D in 75% of the population. Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets and the development of symptomatic hypocalcemia. The problem of vitamin deficiency is aggravated by prematurity and prolonged, exclusive breastfeeding with delayed weaning.

Vitamin A deficiency is not uncommon in Russia , which is associated with blindness and increased mortality and morbidity from infectious diseases. However, the administration of high doses of vitamin A improves infant survival.

Bleeding from vitamin K deficiency is rare but does occur, especially in infants who did not receive vitamin K at birth. Vitamin K is given either as a single 1 mg intramuscular dose for newborns (0.4 mg/kg for premature infants) or as an alternative 3 mg oral regimen for the first 6–8 weeks. Infant formulas are fortified with vitamin K, providing a supply of approximately 4–10 mcg/kg/day.

Diet plays only a partial role in replenishing vitamins D and K, but is important for all other vitamins.
Key steps to ensure children have adequate vitamin status are administering vitamin K at birth, optimizing early diets, and providing supplemental vitamin D. Vitamin D can be started during the first 2 months of life as a supplement for breastfed infants. and for children fed formula with a dosage of <500 ml/day. Table: Summary of reference daily intake of vitamins (units/day)

Directions for use and dosage12

Locally. Children aged 6-18 years: dissolve one tablet every 4 hours. Do not take more than 5 tablets in 24 hours.

Adults over 18 years of age: dissolve one tablet every 2-3 hours. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Do not exceed the indicated dose.

Before using the drug, read the instructions. The duration of treatment is no more than 3 days. If symptoms persist after taking the drug for 3 days, you should stop treatment and consult a doctor.

You can also use Strepsils® Intensive lozenges [honey-lemon], which contain flurbiprofen, a medicine that has an analgesic effect.

The drug has a local analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat: it reduces swelling, difficulty swallowing, pain and irritation in the throat.13

The drug does not contain antibiotics and does not increase the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. The product contains natural honey. Strepsils® Intensive, lozenges [honey-lemon] helps eliminate sore throat in infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and pharynx, regardless of the cause of its occurrence (whether it is viruses, bacteria or fungi).