In accordance with the present invention, a nutritional composition, a method for enhancing the immune system development in an infant, and a method for reducing allergic inflammatory responses in an infant are provided. The nutritional composition comprises a protein source, a fat source, a carbohydrate source, rumenic acid, DHA, and at least one ganglioside. Both methods comprise administering to the infant a combination of rumenic acid, DHA, and at least one ganglioside.
