Baby antibodies are not there at birth, when did they begin to form?

The body is designed not to be susceptible to disease because each individual has an immune system. The immune system, aka the immune system, is a system that works to protect the body from various things that can cause the body to experience illness. However, what about the child's body systems? Why are children more susceptible to disease? Does this mean they have a weak immune system?

What are the components of the human immune system?

The human immune system is a defense system that is formed to prevent humans from contracting disease. The immune system will produce antibodies, white blood cells, and various substances that can destroy foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. Not only that, the immune system also consists of:

The tonsils (tonsils) and the thymus are responsible for making antibodies in the body.
Lymph nodes, which are responsible for the circulation of lymph fluid which consists of white blood cells that function to protect the body from infection.
Bone marrow, which is the soft tissue found in long bones, such as the arms, legs, spine, and pelvis. This tissue functions to produce red blood cells, platelets, yellow marrow, and several types of white blood cells.
The spleen, which is an organ in the body that is responsible for filtering and destroying old or damaged red blood cells and platelets, and helps the immune system to destroy various foreign substances that can cause inflammation in the body.
White blood cells, which are blood cells formed in soft bone tissue that have the main function of protecting the body from infection.

Newborn antibodies

Actually, newborn babies cannot immediately produce their own immune system. Thus, all components of the immune system in a newborn are obtained from the mother.

When the pregnancy is old and approaching the day of birth, the mother's immune system will be transferred to the fetus through the blood vessels and placenta. The component of the immune system that is given by the mother to the fetus through the placenta is Immunoglobulin G (IgG).

Immunoglobulin is a type of antibody formed by the body to fight toxins, bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances. Among the various kinds of immunoglobulins, only IgG can cross the placenta and is the smallest antibody formed by the body, but in the largest number.

There are at least 75 to 80 percent of the total IgG antibodies formed. Therefore, babies born prematurely are very susceptible to various diseases because they do not get enough antibodies from the mother.

IgG is considered very important for keeping the fetus in the womb from getting infected and various complications that can endanger its health. This condition is called passive immunity, because antibodies are produced from the mother and then given to the child through various processes.

After birth, babies must receive exclusive breastfeeding from the mother, because breast milk contains complete antibodies, namely, Immunoglobulin A, Immunoglobulin D, Immunoglobulin G, and Immunoglobulin M.

Therefore, breast milk is considered the most perfect food for babies. Because besides being very easy to digest, breast milk is also able to protect babies who are susceptible to various infectious diseases.

In addition, the first milk that comes out shortly after the mother gives birth or what is often called the yellow colostrum liquid contains a lot of antibodies that are sufficient to protect the baby at birth. Colostrum contains a lot of sIgA (secretory immunoglobulin A) which is useful for coating the baby's digestive tract against various pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

Other nutrients to increase the baby's immune system

Apart from breast milk, your little one can also increase the immune system or his immune system in preventing infection through nutritional intake. There are two types of nutrients that can help build a baby's immunity, namely omega-3 and 6 and FOS: GOS 1: 9.

The body does have a system of body defense mechanisms to fight infection and disease. However, with the additional intake of long chain fatty acids, namely omega-3 and 6, immune cells can work stronger to fight disease. Both have immunomodulatory properties (increase the body's defense mechanism) and anti-inflammatory in fighting disease.

The immunomodulatory properties of omega-3 and 6 also stimulate the work of macrophages, the part of white blood cells to "eat" germs that cause disease. In addition, omega-3 and 6 can increase the work of white blood cells in reducing inflammation due to infectious diseases. This working mechanism provides extra protection for the baby's body.

The work of your little one's immune system is also supported by healthy digestion. Prebiotic intake will carry out its duties to protect the digestive health of your little one. Based on research from journals Gut Microbes , the prebiotic composition of FOS: GOS 1: 9 can protect the digestive system by maintaining the balance of bacteria in the intestine, thereby strengthening the work of the immune system.

The immune response is also closely related to the strengthening of antibodies in the little one's body. In the same study, it was reviewed that FOS: GOS 1: 9 can stimulate an antibody response in preventing disease. The combination of prebiotics works to support his immune system.

You can get the benefits of omega-3 and FOS: GOS 1: 9 through growth milk or formula. In addition to these two main ingredients, growth milk should be specially formulated with additional iron content, as well as 12 vitamins and 9 minerals without added sugar. Therefore, make sure your little one's choice of growth milk contains the ingredients mentioned above to support your little one's growth and development optimally.

How long can the mother's antibodies stay in the baby's body? When do babies produce their own immune systems?

In healthy babies, as they get older, the baby will naturally form its own antibodies. The antibodies that the baby has successfully received from the mother through breast milk will gradually decrease. When the baby is 2 to 3 months old, the baby has started to build up the immune system and produces its own antibodies.

After the baby enters 6 months of age, his immune system can work normally, like an adult's immune system. It is in this phase that your baby's immune system can also be supported through consumption of growth milk.

Immunization for children under five is also very important to do. Because it can increase and strengthen their immune system which has just been formed.

Basic immunization is required by newborns, which are comprised of bacillus calmette guerin (BCG), diphtheria pertussis tetanus-hepatitis b (DPT-HB) or diphtheria pertussis tetanus-hepatitis b-hemophilus influenza type b (DPT-HB-Hib), hepatitis B in newborns, polio and measles. Then there is further immunization which is a repeat immunization to extend protection from disease.