One of the major concerns among the parents of India, is the lack of immunity in their children. Recently IMRB conducted a survey in 10 major cities across India including metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. The study revealed that “85% mothers claim that frequent cold is a sign of low immunity”
The study further reported that the average monthly cost of visiting a pediatrician is INR 850.
Moreover, the study attempted to investigate the root causes of a child's low immunity and regular sufferings, hindering Child’s day-to-day activity. The survey pointed some key factors like lack of sleep, change of food habits (induced by the parents by offering western fast foods) and proliferating number of nuclear families, which affect the health of a child to the most.
Dr Naresh Shanmugam, senior consultant, department of pediatrics, Global Hospital explained the relation between loss of immunity and malnutrition by stating "Due to the lack of a balanced diet, the body of the child uses the protein to energize the child and keep him alive", he also pointed that "Usually, a child could fall sick around four to five times a year. However, if he exceeds the limit, he would require a hospital visit".
To understand the role of immunity in human body we can consider it as an "anti-virus" defense mechanism, the weaker the immunity the higher chance of a child to fall sick, resulting to a poor mental and physical health. Thus, the body should be fed with ample supply of nutrient, such that it can successfully maintain the protection offered by the immune system and sustain the natural growth of a child.
Dr Dharini Krishnan, consultant dietician and former national president of the Indian Dietetic Association stressed on the need for the children to be educated at a young age on the importance of eating protein and vitamin rich foods. He further suggested an ideal approach for the parents-to keep a close watch on the child, rather than forcefully making them adopt a few healthy habits. “Parents should pay more attention to the diet of children and priorities their expenditure accordingly,” advised Doctor Bhuvaneswari Shankar, group chief dietician, Apollo Hospitals.
Now thankfully there are few ways to keep track on you child’s nourishment, for instance, you can use NutriMeter a simple assessment tool to discover the hidden gaps in your child’s nutrition. You can also add new Horlicks in your child’s Diet which has 2X immuno – nutrients* that supports their immunity.’’