The influence of nutrition on respiratory infections in children

Background: Immunological mechanism and dietary nutrients are important mediators in the health of children. In this intervention study a dietary advice is given to children between 1 and 6 years of age with recurrent respiratory tract infections. Could a change in nutrient intake result in an altered clinical outcome? Design: In this prospective cohort study 61 children were included and evaluated at a paediatric outpatient clinic. The control group consisted of 32 children included at an infant welfare centre. The patient group followed the dietary advice (green vegetables, beef, whole milk, full-fat butter) for three months, in which parents filled out their dietary intake and health status on a daily basis. A follow up form was filled out by the parents 3 months after completion of the study period. For statistical analysis the programme SPSS version 15.0 was used. Results: In the patient group there was a statistical significant reduction in days with a respiratory infection (15.7 to 11.5 days a month), subfebrile temperature days (1.9 to 0.5 days a month) and febrile temperature days (1.0 to 0.7 days a month) compared to the control group. Also, antibiotic use decreased significantly. No significant changes were measured in body mass index. Conclusions: A change of diet towards green vegetables, beef, whole milk and full-fat butter has positive health effects in children. This diet may work by adding nutrients to optimize immunological mechanisms. There were no adverse effects and it can be utilized by general pediatricians and general practitioners.

A nutrient rich diet can improve immunological functions and reduce respiratory infections

t= 0, 3 and 6 months

A nutrient rich diet consisting of beef, green vegetables, whole milk and butter, in age appropriate portions