A happy mother and healthy child hugging each other.
The early five years of a child's life are crucial, as this is the best time to lay the foundation for future development. It is the optimum time for a child's brain, gut and immune system to develop, hence playing an important role in ensuring that your child is future-ready.
However, c-section children are statistically more prone to developing common health concerns such as allergies, digestive discomfort, and immunity-related conditions1.
In view of this, parents should be aware of the health risks that c-section children face and how you can support your child in building stronger immunity.
How does C-Section Affects a Child’s Immunity
The gut microbiome - a collection of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system, plays a crucial role in immune system development and overall health.1 C-section children may have a less diverse gut microbiome compared to non c-section children, which can have implications for your children’s health later in life.1
Common Health Concerns in C-Section Children
1. Allergies and Asthma
Studies show C-section children have a 20% - 30% increased risk of asthma, eczema, and hay fever1. This is largely due to delayed or altered microbial exposure, which impairs immune system development.2
2. Digestive Discomfort
C-section children suffer from constipation, gas, and reflux due to imbalanced gut flora, as c-section children have less beneficial bacteria, which can lead to digestive discomfort because these bacteria play a crucial role in breaking down food, producing essential nutrients, and maintaining a healthy gut environment3
3. Weaker Immunity
Since up to 70% of immune cells reside in the gut, a compromised gut microbiota can lead to a less responsive and weaker immune system. C-section children are often more prone to infections and take longer to recover, making it crucial for parents to understand how to boost their c-section child’s immune system quickly4.
4. Potential Delayed Brain Development
The method of delivery has been shown also to affect gut colonization and, thus, immunological development of a child. C-section children have less good bacteria, hence this may impact your children's behavior and brain function5.
Concerned about your C-section child's immunity and gut health? Here's what you should do!
The early five years of a child’s life is a key developmental window where gut health, brain growth, and immune system formation evolve rapidly.
Therefore, this is the crucial period for parents of C-section children to build their child's stronger immunity with the right nutrition and experiences3.
These early years are also when diet, environment, and habits have the greatest influence on long-term well-being.
Practical Tips to Boost Immunity in C-Section Children6
1. Maintain a Diverse, Gut-Friendly Diet
Children should focus on immune system booster foods such as:
- Fruits: Orange, Grapefruit, Kiwi, Papaya
- Vegetables: Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Carrot
- Lean Meats: Chicken, Beef
- Seafood: Salmon, Sardines, and other fatty fish (for omega-3s and iron)
- Legumes: Chickpeas, Lentils
- Whole grains: Brown Rice, Quinoa
- Nuts and seeds: Almonds, Sunflower Seeds
2. Complement your child's diet with prebiotics & probiotics
Key bacterial strains include Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides may be lacking in C-section children. These strains play important roles in digestion, immune system development, and overall health.
Hence, it is important to ensure that your child receives the right prebiotics and probiotics in their diet. They are usually found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and fermented foods, but can be enhanced or added by choosing the right children's milk formula to supplement their diet.
3. Gentle Exposure
Contacts with others during time at kindergarten or school can help transfer beneficial microbes to C-section children, potentially mitigating some of the microbiome differences compared to non c-section children.
4. Outdoor Activities
Allowing toddlers to play outdoors, sports and engage with pets can also stimulate their immune system.
This is because it exposes children to a wider variety of microbes, introduces beneficial microbes and reduces the risk of allergies and asthma which can help their immune system develop and become more resilient.
5. Getting enough sleep
Aim for your children to have sufficient sleep, as sleep deprivation and abnormal sleep patterns can negatively impact the brain and immune system.
Hence, getting enough sleep will have a positive impact on children's cognitive abilities, emotional regulation and overall health, which grows their stronger immunity.
6. Consulting your doctor
Actively consult your doctor to learn more about c-section children's health risks and how you can build your child's stronger immunity.
How can you choose the right growing up milk formula for your C-section child?
Not all children milk formulas are the same, some are specially formulated with ingredients to support stronger immunity and gut health such as:
1. Prebiotics and Probiotics
Prebiotic foods contain non-digestible components that microorganisms in your gut can break down and use, while probiotic foods contain live, active microorganisms that support other gut microorganisms.7
They work together to modulate the gut microbiota, improve gut barrier function, and influence immune responses.7
2. 2’-FL
2’-FL encourages the growth of 'good' bacteria in your child's gut, which is where most of the immune cells are located. A healthy digestive system is thus essential for the development of your child’s immune system.8
3. MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane)
MFGM works alongside prebiotics, to significantly reduce the number of children's sick days and supports long-term brain development beyond 5 years for higher intelligence9
4. Expert-recommended DHA level
Experts recommend a daily intake of approximately 100–150 mg of DHA for young children, as this essential omega-3 fatty acid supports normal brain, eye, and nervous system development during the early years—a critical period for growth and learning.9
DHA also plays a significant role in modulating the immune system. It can help reduce inflammation, improve general resistance to infections, and potentially lower sensitivity to allergies.
Choosing the right milk formula for your child is an important step in boosting your child's immune system.
With the right nutrition and experiences, C-section children can always grow stronger. Whether you're exploring how to boost immune system, wanting to expose your C-section child to more immune system booster foods or simply supporting your children's everyday wellbeing, parents should try Enfagrow A+ MindPro C-Biome, specially formulated 2'-FL, prebiotics and MFGM & expert-recommended DHA level for Stronger Immunity, Smarter Mind in children, including C-section children.
Got questions about your C-section child’s health? Speak to your doctor today to learn more!
References:
- Gut Microbiome, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4290017/, Accessed on 17 June 2025
- Allergies and asthma: They often occur together, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/in-depth/allergies-and-asthma/art-20047458, Accessed on 17 June 2025
- Gastrointestinal Diseases, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7040-gastrointestinal-diseases, Accessed on 17 June 2025
- The Immune System, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/the-immune-system, Accessed on 17 June 2025
- Being born by Caesarian section may affect your intelligence, https://www.uib.no/en/med/129796/being-born-caesarian-section-may-affect-your-intelligence, Accessed on 17 June 2025
- How to boost your immune system, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system, Accessed on 17 June 2025
- Prebiotics versus probiotics: What’s the difference?, https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/prebiotics-versus-probiotics-whats-the-difference.h00-159774078.html, Accessed on 17 June 2025.
- Fucosyllactose, https://www.therascience.com/en_int/our-assets/autres/2-fucosyllactose?srsltid=AfmBOorVwROppxi55-jvjA1XTL1cRqRcD0WMLMDGliVbmphBarNTiPHm, Accessed on 17 June 2025.
- What are the benefits of EPA and DHA?, https://seven-seas.co.uk/articles/what-are-the-benefits-of-epa-and-dha, Accessed on 17 June 2025.
