If you've been shopping in the cereal aisle recently, you've probably seen a big label on the front of  the box of Rice Krispies and Cocoa Krispies : helps supports your child's IMMUNITY (with the immunity is big letters). Can this be true? That's the topic of my Today Show segment, with Meredith Viera this morning (check out the video below).

Our immune system is complex, and our bodies are contantly producing cells that fight infection. Of course you need nutrients for that, and you'd be hard pressed to find a vitamin or nutrient that didn't contribute to a healthy immune system. To take a handful of vitamins, put them in a cereal, and say that it helps support immunity is a real stretch, and taking the science out of context.

The misleading part of this, is that a parent - in the hope of getting a child to eat a healthy breakfast (which studies show helps school performance) might be only looking at the big letters of immunity, and thinking it's a better choice for the child.

Sometimes a bowl of cereal is just a bowl of cereal. It's one component of a healthy diet.

So, what can help immunity? I suggest a 3-point plan. 

1) Lots of colorful fruits and vegetables and lean protein;

2) Get enough sleep; and 

3) Practice good hand hygiene - not just washing, but keeping hands away from the nose and mouth.

This is good advice for your children, and for yourself!.

And when it comes to cereal claims, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.