Our podcast In Conversation With The Experts gives you a unique opportunity to learn from some of the most brilliant minds in nutrition science. In each episode, we delve into the guest’s area of expertise to find out more about a nutrition topic from their knowledge and insights. Whether you are a health professional, student or just interested in learning more, tune in to discover the fascinating world of nutrition science.

Exploring Nutrition, Immunity and the Early Years

The British Nutrition Foundation is passionate about early years nutrition – it is important to support physical and cognitive growth, plus not only the child’s immediate but also long-term health. We know that as well as growth and development, immunity is a top consideration for the carers of young children. 

Our 'Exploring Nutrition, Immunity and the Early Years' series looks at this further, hosted by our very own nutrition scientist Dr Simon Steenson.

Episode 1 - Breastfeeding and Immunity

Breastfeeding gives a baby the best possible start in life – but how can breastfeeding influence immunity?

In this episode, we hear from Dr Caroline Childs, Associate Professor at the University of Southampton. Dr Child’s research includes a focus on diet and its links with immune function, plus the gut microbiome.

Episode 2 - First Foods and Immunity

How can feeding in the first year of life influence immunity?

In this episode, we hear from Dr Stacey Lockyer, Senior Nutrition Scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation. Stacey talks about how foods in young children's diets can impact immunity. Stacey has also written a paper on nutrition and immunity in our peer-reviewed journal Nutrition Bulletin.

Episode 3 - Breast milk, HMOs and immunity

What exactly are human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and what role could they play in early years’ immunity?

In this episode, we hear from Prof Sharon Donovan, Director of the Personalized Nutrition Initiative, University of Illinois. Dr Donovan's research in paediatric nutrition includes the gut microbiome, cognition and immune response.

The British Nutrition Foundation is grateful to Nestle Nutrition for providing an educational grant towards the success of this podcast series. The programme has been directed by the Foundation alone, which is committed to producing independent, evidence-based science.