Raphaella discussed various aspects of children’s health, including the importance of immune system development, nutrition and supplementation, and practical tips for parents, focusing on the first 1000 days from preconception until a child is almost three years old.
Raphaella acknowledged the common concern amongst parents of the frequency of illnesses in young children, particularly during winter. She emphasised that frequent exposure to viruses is part of the process of growing up and is a normal part of building immunity with each exposure, and, therefore, building a strong immune system. By the age of five, most children have been exposed to numerous viruses, helping them to develop immunity- this is not a sign of a compromised immune system.
The importance of the first 1000 days was highlighted, covering preconception, pregnancy, and the first three years of life, in building a child’s immune system. During preconception, key nutrients such as folate, vitamin D, and iron play crucial roles. Raphaella advised women planning to conceive to ensure adequate levels of these nutrients to support a healthy pregnancy, a strong immune system, fetal development, and neural tube development of the fetus. Folate is particularly important for the development of the child’s nervous system in the early stages of pregnancy.
Raphaella recommended taking a folate supplement and then dropping it after the first trimester, shifting the focus to iron and vitamin D supplementation. A good prenatal multivitamin was also recommended during pregnancy when the fetus’s nervous system is being formed. During the third trimester, omega-3 fatty acids, essential for fetal brain development, should be supplemented and included in the diet through choline in eggs and fatty fish.
The benefits of vaccinating pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester, to protect the newborn were explained. Vaccines like pertussis (whooping cough) and influenza help pass antibodies from the mother to the baby, offering protection during the first six months of life when the baby’s immune system is still developing, building it up and creating a greater immunity to illness. In this way, these vaccinations are considered safe and are recommended.
Breastfeeding was mentioned as the best way to support a newborn’s immune system, as breast milk is rich in antibodies and other essential nutrients- it was noted as a ‘nutritional powerhouse’. For mothers who cannot breastfeed, modern formulas with added human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) provide excellent nutritional alternatives. HMOs not only promote beneficial bacteria that outcompete harmful bacteria but also have a unique antibacterial and antiviral effect against certain microbes.
Vitamin D and iron are crucial supplements in the early years. Vitamin D supports bone health and the immune system, while iron is essential for growth and brain development. Raphaella mentioned the concept of the “iron gap,” where infants may require iron supplementation starting at four to six months of age as they use all of their iron stores to grow.
As children grow, a balanced diet becomes essential. While multivitamins can help fill nutritional gaps, encouraging a varied diet is important. Raphaella advised against obsessing over each meal and instead looking at the child’s diet over a week or even two weeks. She also highlighted the importance of physical activity and limiting screen time.
In terms of picky eaters, Raphaella noted that children are often great at self-regulating, and will eat what makes them feel good, so a few snacks here and there are not a problem, as long as they are getting enough nutrients over the week (and unhealthy snacks are limited).
The role of probiotics in children’s gut health was explained; while not every child needs probiotics, and research around children’s health and probiotics is still developing, they can be beneficial, especially for children who have been on antibiotics or have digestive issues. One should, however, consult a paediatrician before giving children probiotics.
When it comes to sleep and relaxation, Raphaella explained that while melatonin is a popular option for this, it might not be safe for kids unless approved by a paediatrician, however, magnesium supplementation is safe. Magnesium was mentioned as an important mineral that can promote sleep and relaxation and may help improve constipation.
Many parents know that supplementation in the form of capsules can be a difficult task for children, therefore, vitamin gummies are an effective option as they are easier for kids to take and usually have an enjoyable taste and flavour. Nutriburst gummies were mentioned as a high-quality vitamin gummy option offering three products in the kids’ range- Mighty Bones for calcium and vitamin D, DefenceDynamo for immune support, and SuperKidz as a holistic multivitamin. Raphaella recommended these vitamin gummies as they are sugar-free, meet all the RDA requirements, and are even seen as a tasty little treat by her kids!
When asked for one tip she could give new moms, Raphaella suggested that they practice a balanced approach to nutritional health for their children, and focus on a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday weekly plan to supplement, instead of obsessing over an everyday plan. She suggested that moms focus on key nutrients: iron, vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and a high-quality multivitamin, and to get their children outdoors to limit screen time, and, at the same time, encourage safe exposure to pathogens to strengthen their immune systems.
Episode 2 of Couch Conversations provided a wealth of practical and insightful information on supporting children’s health from pregnancy through early childhood. Dr. Raphaella Stander’s expertise highlighted the importance of the first 1000 days in a child’s life and the significant role of nutrition, supplementation, and building a strong immune system. Her emphasis on balanced nutrition, outdoor activity, and safe pathogen exposure offers a holistic approach to raising healthy children. By integrating these practices, parents can confidently support their children’s development and well-being, ensuring a strong foundation for their current and future health.
