“How to boost your child’s immune system during illness”
Created by Jana Roso, MSN, CPNP and Dr. Emily Gutierrez, DNP, CPNP
Before and during illness, it is best to keep inflammation in the body down as a number one rule. Almost everything we eat either encourages or discourages inflammation.
--“Fire starters” or foods that increase inflammation include: saturated fats, refined carbs, sugars, trans fats, processed meat, and “white” foods.
--“Fire fighters” or foods that decrease inflammation include: vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, olive oil, seeds, legumes, and fish.
Fever is a big concern with parents when their child is ill. Please remember, fever is a wonderful immune response, and it only needs to be treated if the fever is >100.4. If you give an antipyretic (otherwise known as a fever reducer) we prefer dye-free ibuprofen for ages >6 months since it is easier on your liver and doesn’t contain harmful dyes. Fever (in the absence of other symptoms) that persists >3 days should be evaluated by your health care provider.
Supplements that can help boost immunity and shorten symptoms:
- Vitamin C- can help to shorten the duration of cold symptoms by about 24-36 hours. Studies show no strong indication in helping prevent colds. Brands that we trust: Physiologics Ester-C, Emergen-C
- Echinacea- some studies show that it can reduce the severity of colds by 10-30%. Brands that we trust: Echinacea alcohol free by Nature’s Way
3) Zinc- taking Zinc through the first few days of a cold can shorten the duration. Brands that we trust: Zinc Liquid by Pure Encapsulations
- Elderberry-helps to boost the production of immune cells and may help to block a virus’s ability to spread. Brands that we trust: Elderberry Syrup by Sambucol
- Garlic- helps to stimulate the immune system and help fight viruses. It works best when consumed raw. Brands that we trust: Organic, fresh garlic; Garlic tabs by Douglas Labs
- Vitamin D- having optimal levels of vitamin D help the immune system fight illnesses. Brands that we trust: Metagenics Vitamin D drops
- Sage- the herb has been found helpful in soothing sore throats caused by viruses. Brands that we trust: Fresh organic sage steeped tea; Gaia Herbs Sage and Aloe Throat Spray
- Probiotics- these friendly bacteria are helpful in maintaining a healthy body as well as combating diarrheal illnesses. Brands that we trust: Klaire Labs Ther-Biotics, Jarrow Yum-Yum Dophilus
*Approved combination product: Zarbees Ederberry, Vitamin C, and Zinc Immune Support gummies*
Supplement Dosing Guide Based on Age
|
Age Group
|
Vitamin C
|
Echinacea
|
Zinc
|
Elderberry
|
|
Adults/teens
|
500-2,000mg per day for 3-5 days
|
The best science supports Echinacea used for illness prevention: 500-1,000mg 3x day
|
20-40mg per day for up to 2 weeks
|
Prevention: 10 mL (3.8grams) once daily
Treatment: 10 mL (3.8grams) up to four times a day for 5 days
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Children 4-12
|
250-500mg per day for 3-5 days
|
Prevention: 100mg per day
|
10-20mg per day for up to 2 weeks
|
Prevention: 5 mL (2.4grams) once dailyTreatment: 5 mL (2.4grams) up to three times a day
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Children 6 mths-3
|
125mg per day for 3-5 days
|
Not recommended in this age range
|
10mg per day for up to 2 weeks
|
Clinical studies are lacking in this age group to recommend treatment with Elderberry.
|
|
Cautions:
|
Do not give vitamin C with Tylenol.
|
The most common side effect of taking Echinacea is a skin rash.
|
Do not use topical zinc in the nose; it can cause loss of smell.
|
Do not use elderberry if you are taking immunosuppressant drugs.
|
|
Age Group
|
Vitamin D
|
Sage
|
Probiotics
|
Garlic
|
|
Adults/teens
|
Prevention: 2,000 IU/day Treatment: 5,000 IU x 4-5 days
|
Mouth sprays/gargles to for sore throats four times a day for 3-5 days
|
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria in capsules daily
|
2-5 g of fresh raw garlic, 2-5 mg of garlic oil, 300-1,000 mg of garlic extract
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Children 4-12
|
Prevention: 2,000 IU/day Treatment: 5,000 IU x 4-5 days
|
Mouth sprays/gargles to for sore throats four times a day for 3-5 days
|
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria in capsules or liquid daily
|
Oil of garlic or syrup of garlic- 1 tsp daily
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Children 6 mths-3
|
Prevention: 1,000 IU/day Treatment: 2,000-3,000 IU/day x 4-5 days
|
No indications in this age group
|
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria in liquid or powder daily
|
Oil of garlic or syrup of garlic- 1 tsp daily
|
|
Cautions:
|
Vitamin D levels should be monitored to ensure a child is within a therapeutic range.
|
Avoid if you have an allergy to sage or have high blood pressure.
|
Antibiotics and probiotics should be separated by at least 2 hours.
|
Highly concentrated garlic in topical formulas can burn the skin.
|
References
1. Bischoff-Ferrari, H. A., Giovannucci, E., Willett, W. C., Dietrich, T., and Dawson-Hughes, B. Estimation of optimal serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D for multiple health outcomes. Am J Clin Nutr 2006;84(1):18-28.
2. Cravotto, G., Boffa, L., Genzini, L., and Garella, D. Phytotherapeutics: an evaluation of the potential of 1000 plants. J Clin Pharm Ther 2010;35(1):11-48.
3. Di, Pierro F., Rapacioli, G., Ferrara, T., and Togni, S. Use of a standardized extract from Echinacea angustifolia (Polinacea) for the prevention of respiratory tract infections.
4. Hemila, H. and Chalker, E. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2013;1:CD000980.
5. May, M. E., & So, T. Y. (2014). Overview of probiotics use in the pediatric population. Clinical Pediatrics, doi:0009922813518427 [pii]
6. Science M, Johnstone J, Roth DE, et al. Zinc for the treatment of the common cold: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. CMAJ 2012;184:E551-61
7. Sazawal S, Black RE, Bhan MK, et al. Zinc supplementation in young children with acute diarrhea in India. N Engl J Med 1995;333:839-44.
8. Vasquez, A., Manson, G., & Cannell, J. (2004) The clinical importance of vitamin D: a paradigm shift with implications for all health care providers. Altern Ther Health Med; 10: 28-36
9. Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res 2004;32:132-40.
Integrative Health Practice Resources