The role of nutrition in immunity in infants and toddlers: An expert panel opinion

Maternal nutritional status during pregnancy and the nutrients to which infants are exposed through breastmilk and complementary foods influence infant immune system development. Micronutrients, including iron, zinc, vitamins A, C, D, and E exert important influences on immune system development during the neonatal period. An expert panel meeting was convened to provide insights on strategies to prevent and mitigate micronutrients deficiencies (MNDs) which impact the developing immune system. This review article provides evidence-based correlation between the role of nutrition and immunity, and provides recommendations on the current and future trends to prevent and treat MNDs in the Indian context.