Key Points
The human newborn possesses a functional but immature immune system in order to provide defense against a world teeming with microorganisms. Breast milk contains a number of biological active compounds which support the infant’s immune system. These include secretory IgAs, which confer specific protection against enteric pathogens, as well as many other immunological active ingredients. A number of these ingredients can and are being used as supplements for infant nutrition formulas. The strength of the evidence for immunostimulating effects of selected minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, pre- and probiotics and nucleotides is reviewed.