15/01/2026
Do the bugs just keep on giving this winter? 🤧
Winter viruses can hit little ones hard and it can feel like you’re constantly wiping sniffly noses or soothing chesty coughs.
While no food or supplement can prevent the common cold, research consistently shows that good nutrition and hydration play an important role in supporting the immune system and recovery.
Here are 5 evidence-based ways to support your child’s immune system this winter 👇
(Spoiler alert: they apply to adults too!)
🥕 🍊Eat a rainbow of fruit & vegetables 🥝🍓
Fruit and veg provide key micronutrients including vitamins A, C and E which support immune cell function.
Think colourful options like carrots, butternut squash, sweet potato, spinach, kale, broccoli, oranges, kiwi, apples, berries and avocado.
☀️ Don’t forget vitamin D ☀️
Vitamin D plays an important role in immune function, but it’s hard to get enough from food alone (even from oily fish, eggs, mushrooms and fortified foods).
Because UK sunlight doesn’t provide sufficient vitamin D in winter, a daily supplement is recommended for all children under 5 all year round.
Look for a supplement providing 10 micrograms daily (and no more than 50 micrograms).
🌾 Fibre for gut health 🍞
Fibre feeds beneficial gut bacteria and around 70% of the immune system lives in the gut.
For younger children, a mix of white and wholegrain breads, pasta and rice works well (too much fibre can be very filling for small tummies). Gradually increase wholegrains as children grow. Oats and wholegrain cereals are great options too.
🫘 Bang in some beans🫘
Beans, lentils and pulses provide fibre, plant compounds, and iron - another key nutrient involved in immune function.
💧 Keep hydration up 💦
Fluids support circulation, nutrient delivery and waste removal - all essential processes for a well-functioning immune system.
🦠 There’s no guarantee you’ll dodge every bug but you can support the immune system to work as it should, helping children cope with infections and recover well.
Which one feels most achievable for your family right now? I’d love to know what works for you 🙂