HOW DAIRY IS AN IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOSTER IN THE FIRST 1,000 DAYS

Throughout our lives, proper nutrition is one of the most powerful natural immune system boosters. During the first 1,000 days of life — when children’s immune systems are first developing — it can help lay the foundation for a strong future of germ fighting. 

If you’re a parent or caregiver, you know the sinking feeling that can accompany the touch of a slightly-too-warm forehead or a runny nose just starting.  

The good news: Healthy early nutrition choices can make a profound difference in children’s ability to combat the latest bug.

Supporting your child’s immune system with dairy 

The immune system is our strongest defense against illness, infection, and disease. For children in the early years, this system is still developing and can benefit from extra support, especially during cold and flu season or if they spend lots of time around other kids. 

Parents often wonder: How can I boost my child’s immune system naturally? 

The answer lies in everyday nourishment. Nutrient-rich foods during pregnancy, infancy, and toddlerhood are the building blocks for long-term immune support that keeps germs at bay.  

Milk and dairy foods contain six essential nutrients that are key immune system boosters: protein, vitamins A, D, and B12, selenium, and zinc. So, nutritious and delicious dairy foods can help strengthen children’s ability to fight illness and provide families with an affordable, reliable option to stay well. 

Stress, inadequate sleep, exposure to secondhand smoke, and poor diet can all weaken a child’s immune system. While no single food is a magic shield, nutrient-dense foods like dairy counteract these stressors by supporting the body’s natural defenses.  

How Dairy Nutrients Strengthen a Child’s Immunity

The nutrients in dairy play key roles in building and maintaining a healthy immune system, including:

• Protein – Provides amino acids the body uses to build and repair immune cells
• Vitamin A – Maintains healthy skin and mucous membranes, the body’s first line of defense
• Vitamin D – Regulates immune response
• Vitamin B12 – Helps produce red blood cells and supports nerve and brain health
• Selenium – Protects cells from oxidative stress, keeping the immune system balanced
• Zinc – Critical for wound healing, growth, and infection resistance

How dairy supports immunity during pregnancy and infancy

The best immune boosting foods for babies are breastmilk or iron-fortified infant formula. So, how does dairy fit in? When a mom eats dairy during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the nutrients in dairy can help support her overall health, and the health of her baby. 

For breastfeeding moms, consuming milk and dairy products can help them feel their best while supporting the production of high-quality breast milk, which provides antibodies and immune-boosting nutrients that support babies’ developing immune systems in the earliest days. Dairy helps keep mom healthy so she can share nutrients with her baby without losing out on her own. 

Before six months of age, babies get everything they need from breastmilk, iron-fortified infant formula, or both. After six months of age, parents can introduce dairy products to babies, alongside breast milk and formula, if approved by their pediatrician. Cow’s milk can be incorporated after a child’s first birthday.  

How dairy supports immunity during toddlerhood

Toddlers are known for their trademark runny nose and indescribable interest in public restroom floors, dust bunnies, and the underside of shoes. Understandably, theirs is an immune system that needs all the support it can get. 

Among foods that boost toddler immunity, dairy stands out as one of the most complete and accessible options. For many families, dairy is a trusted staple that makes meeting nutrition goals realistic on a daily basis.

But even the most attentive parents know how challenging toddler nutrition can be. Picky eating, food sensitivities, or limited food access can all create nutritional gaps. Dairy helps fill those gaps during this key stage of development because it is widely available, affordable, and versatile.  

Foods that boost toddler immunity: 

• One 8-ounce glass of milk delivers 8 grams of protein plus essential vitamins and minerals
• Yogurt with live and active cultures provides probiotics, which support gut health — an important part of immunity
• Cheese is a portable, toddler-friendly snack that offers calcium and protein to help meet daily nutrition needs

Each sippy cup of milk, spoonful of yogurt, or slice of cheese delivers a combination of nutrients that work together to support a healthy immune system. 

Ideas to get dairy on their plate:

Parents often ask: How can I include dairy in my child’s diet to strengthen their immune system? Here are some practical, kid-friendly ways: 

• For babies (six months and older, or once developmentally ready): Mix small amounts of plain yogurt or cottage cheese into pureed fruits or vegetables, top toast or pasta with a bit of butter, or offer a small scoop of shredded cheese
• For toddlers one year and older: Serve a cup of whole milk with meals or offer cheese and yogurt as a snack
• For family meals: Add shredded cheese to scrambled eggs, blend yogurt into smoothies, or serve fruit with cottage cheese

The key is balance and consistency. Small, daily servings of dairy provide important nutrients that support your child’s overall health, including their immune system.

Making wellness accessible through dairy donations

Food insecurity weakens children’s immune systems by limiting their intake of nutrient-rich foods. That’s why we’re committed to empowering families to help give their children the healthiest start possible, supporting both short-term immune system boosters and long-term development.

At Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), supporting families goes beyond our farmer-owners producing high-quality milk. Through our DFA Cares Foundation we help ensure children — especially in food-insecure households — get access to essential dairy nutrients that provide immune support in the earliest years. From monetary and product donations to partnerships with hunger relief organizations, we’re committed to making dairy both available and accessible.

This work is especially meaningful during Hunger Action Month in September, when communities come together to raise awareness and take action against hunger. Nutrition equity in early childhood isn’t just about food — it’s about giving every child the tools for a strong immune system and a healthier future.

The first 1,000 days of life are too important to leave to chance. By choosing dairy, parents can help provide their children with nutrients that support healthy growth and immunity in ways that are simple, tasty, and accessible. This Hunger Action Month, you can make a difference — donate today through DFA Cares and help strengthen families and communities.