Ah, that kindergarten period – parents know what we’re talking about…

Concerns of Parents When Their Children Start Kindergarten or School

Without a doubt, there isn’t a parent who doesn’t worry when their child first steps into kindergarten or school. As summer draws to a close, a sense of unease settles in, reminding us that autumn and its accompanying drop in temperatures brings a long season of infections and colds. Unfortunately, our youngest ones are not immune to this. Those most at risk are the children just starting in a kindergarten environment, who have previously been sheltered at home.

Every day, our child is in contact with other children who may either already be sick, are in the incubation phase without showing symptoms, or are completely healthy carriers. The likelihood of transmitting viruses or bacteria in such an environment is, therefore, very high. Most children have a perfectly normal but, given their age, still not sufficiently “mature” immune system. This is why younger children tend to get sick more frequently and severely.

Respiratory Infections

The most common transmission occurs with acute respiratory infections (either viral or bacterial). There are also periods when gastrointestinal infectious diseases, skin infections, or parasitic diseases break out in certain communities.

Early enrollment of children in kindergarten, practically from the nursery stage, strongly correlates with frequent illnesses, averaging two to three times a month. It is only after three years in a kindergarten environment that the frequency of illnesses drops to the level of children who do not attend kindergarten.

Healthy Habits

On the flip side, it is clear that overcoming infections in childhood is completely normal. Children cannot skip these experiences, but fortunately, we know ways to help our youngest strengthen their immune systems so they can function in all situations.

It is crucial to instill healthy habits in children from a young age, such as:

• Regular handwashing
• Eating healthy, diverse foods rich in fruits and vegetables
• Spending free time outdoors
• Getting enough sleep

Encourage your children to cover their mouths with their hands when they cough or sneeze and to use tissues to wipe their noses. Explain to them that this helps protect other children and that these simple actions set a positive example for their peers.

Beta-Glucans – Nature’s Support

However, healthy habits are not always enough. There are times when our youngest need an additional boost for their immunity. In such cases, dietary supplements containing beta-glucans (ensure they are highly purified, at least 80%) along with vitamin C and zinc can help support the normal functioning of the immune system.

Beta-Glucans: Structure and Sources

Beta-glucans are long-chain polysaccharides characterized by their structure, where D-glucose monomers are linked by beta-glycosidic bonds. They are naturally present in various sources, including:

• Plant Cellulose Fibers: Found in the cell walls of plants.
• Yeast Cell Walls: Particularly in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
• Cereal Bran: Commonly derived from barley, oats, rye, and wheat.
• Mushrooms: Notably in reishi, shiitake, and maitake mushrooms.
• Algae: Also present in various types of algae.
• Bacterial Cell Walls: Found in certain bacteria.

Beta-glucans were first isolated in 1968. The forms of beta-glucans extracted from yeast (specifically from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) are typically in the insoluble form of beta–(1,3/1,6-D-glucan). According to numerous studies, this form shows superior biological availability compared to the soluble form (1,3/1,4 beta-glucan).