Supporting children’s respiratory health: Supplements, sunlight, masks, and smarter habits

December 26, 2025

Healthcaretoday, Childrens health, Respiratory health, Pediatric care, Parents guide, parenting, Supplements, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Tiger Milk Mushroom, Cordyceps, Haze season, School health, Immune support, Healthy kids, Mask up, Wellness education, Dr Chee Huei Phing, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman,

Wearing masks helps shield children from viruses, allergens, and haze. Lasting respiratory protection comes from balanced nutrition, cleaner environments, and good hygiene—not a single “magic” supplement.

By Dr Chee Huei Phing
Assistant Professor (Dietitan)
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman

Respiratory health in children is among the most common health concerns reported by parents, especially after school holiday, during haze episodes and in air-conditioned environments.

Supplements may support respiratory health. However, they are not intended to replace proper diagnosis, environmental control or medical treatment. This article explores the role of popular supplements such as tiger milk mushroom, cordyceps, vitamin C and vitamin D in respiratory health.

1.Tiger milk mushroom
Some studies in adults propose that 300mg twice daily supplementation of tiger milk mushroom for three months may positively affect immune markers, respiratory symptoms and lung function. However, there is no direct clinical evidence supporting its use specifically in children’s respiratory health.

2.Cordyceps
Some studies demonstrate potential benefits of cordyceps for lung function and symptoms. However, there is currently no high-quality clinical evidence supporting its use specifically for respiratory health in children. Hence, supplementation for pediatric population should be used with caution and with medical advice.

3.Vitamin C supplementation
Some studies have demonstrated that Vitamin C supplementation may shorten the duration of cold symptoms. Furthermore, low dietary intake of Vitamin C has been shown its association with a higher risk of asthma and wheezing in children. While Vitamin C is essential, it is crucial to note that exceeding the safe daily limit may lead to kidney strain or nutrient imbalance. Dietitian or health care professionals should be able to help you to identify the appropriate supplementation dosage.

4.Vitamin D supplementation
Vitamin D is frequently being referred as 'sunshine vitamin. Its function in children’s respiratory health goes far beyond bone growth. It can act as a hormone that modulates the immune system and helps the lung develop and defend themselves. Vitamin D helps reduce airway inflammation. Children with adequate Vitamin D levels often have better asthma control, less exacerbations and better responses to inhaled corticosteroids. Similarly, supplementation of Vitamin D should be based on advice from health care professionals. Other than supplementation, outdoor activities with sunlight exposure are being encouraged (Morning sun before 10 a.m. will be better with “good” UV exposure and less risk of heat exhaustion).

5.Wearing mask
Wearing mask is a highly effective practice for protecting children’s respiratory health. Masks offer a physical barrier against commonest respiratory triggers for children such as viral infections (during peak season of Influenza outbreak etc.), environmental allergens or haze.

Protecting respiratory health in children is not depending on a single 'magic' supplement. On the other hand, it involves nutrition, environment and hygiene practices.

Supporting children’s respiratory health: Supplements, sunlight, masks, and smarter habits

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