FDA Grants First-Ever Qualified Health Claim in Infant Nutrition

Nearly 1 in 5 Babies Develop Atopic Dermatitis -The Most Common Type of Allergic Disease in Infancy

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May 26, 2011, 07:00 ET

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Gerber Products Company, a part of the Nestle family, announced that Gerber® Good Start® milk-based formulas are the first and only infant formulas that meet the criteria for a qualified health claim. Specifically, the FDA concluded that current scientific evidence is appropriate for consideration of a qualified health claim relating to a reduced risk of atopic dermatitis.

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The official language from the FDA is as follows:

"For healthy infants who are not exclusively breastfed and who have a family history of allergy, feeding a 100% whey protein partially hydrolyzed infant formula from birth up to 4 months of age instead of a formula containing intact cow's milk proteins may reduce the risk of developing atopic dermatitis throughout the first year of life. FDA has concluded that the relationship between 100% whey protein partially hydrolyzed infant formulas and the reduced risk of atopic dermatitis is uncertain, because there is little scientific evidence for the relationship.

Partially hydrolyzed formulas should not be fed to infants who are allergic to milk or to infants with existing milk allergy symptoms. If you suspect your baby is already allergic to milk, or if your baby is on a special formula for the treatment of allergy, your baby's care and feeding choices should be under a doctor's supervision."

Leading allergy and pediatric organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) have affirmed the potential role of certain hydrolyzed protein infant formulas in reducing the risk of developing atopic dermatitis – particularly in infants with a family history of allergy. It is important to note that partially hydrolyzed infant formulas, including GERBER® GOOD START® formulas, are recommended for routine use in healthy infants, but should not be used to treat children with allergy.

NOURISHING A HEALTHIER GENERATION ONE BABY AT A TIME

Breastfeeding is the best way to reduce the risk of allergies in infants. This is just one of the reasons why Gerber believes that breastfeeding is the best way to nourish infants. Gerber recommends breastfeeding as the ideal first step in its Start Healthy, Stay Healthy™ Nutrition System and supports the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.

THE GERBER® GOOD START® DIFFERENCE

GERBER GOOD START milk-based formulas are the first and only routine infant formulas made with 100% whey protein that has been partially hydrolyzed. GERBER GOOD START uses a unique two-step process that starts with gentle 100% whey protein, which is then broken down (partially hydrolyzed) into smaller pieces. In contrast, most other milk-based formulas are made with intact cow's milk proteins. Only GERBER GOOD START milk-based formulas meet the criteria for a qualified health claim.

"GERBER GOOD START formulas are among the most clinically-advanced on the market, and this announcement reflects Gerber's commitment to innovation and leadership in early childhood nutrition," said Dr. Jose M. Saavedra, MD, FAAP, Medical Director, Gerber Products Company. "Now with acknowledgement from the FDA, we will be able to help parents understand the GERBER GOOD START difference."

Gerber milk-based formulas are available nationwide in two varieties:

GERBER GOOD START Protect
GERBER GOOD START Gentle

For more information on Gerber and GOOD START, visit www.gerber.com or call the Start Healthy, Stay Healthy™ Resource Center at 1-800-327-9933.

About Generation Healthy and Gerber

At Gerber, we're working toward a high ideal. We call it Generation Healthy. Our Start Healthy, Stay Healthy™ Nutrition System provides products, education and services to help you make informed decisions about your child's nutrition at each stage of development.

Gerber was founded in 1928 in Fremont, MI. Gerber Products Company officially joined the Nestle family on September 1, 2007. Gerber Products Company is committed to being a leader in early childhood nutrition.

All trademarks are owned by Societe des Produits Nestle S.A., Vevey, Switzerland.

SOURCE Gerber