Gerber® Good Start® Offers Innovative Formula Range with Probiotics

A brand committed to providing nutrition and comfort for babies offers probiotics in all milk-based powder infant formula products

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Gerber

Oct 05, 2016, 09:00 ET

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Oct. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Early childhood nutrition leader Gerber has announced a line of infant formulas with probiotics, making it the only brand to offer probiotics in all milk-based powder formulas. Nestlé S.A, the parent company of Gerber, in addition to other academic and scientific organizations, has conducted research to determine how probiotics, good bacteria of the type commonly found in breastmilk, may provide support to the development of a healthy digestive and immune system in babies and young children. Based on this research and after assuring their safety, Gerber has made probiotics a key ingredient in all Gerber^® Good Start^® milk-based powder formulas.

"As a mom, I understand how important it is for my baby to be comfortable and I love Gerber's commitment to providing comfort to babies," said Kristen Finn, RD, DCN, a Clinical Scientist at Gerber. "Whether breastfeeding or transitioning to formula, I always try to make sure that my children are getting probiotics on a daily basis. Gerber has made it easy for moms to choose a formula with probiotics regardless of which milk-based powder formula they choose."

In designing their infant formulas, Gerber selected specific probiotics based on the product benefits intended:

Gerber^® Good Start^® Gentle formulas are for healthy babies who are not exclusively breastfed, so Gerber selected probiotic B. lactis, which is similar to the probiotics found in breastmilk:
- Stage 1 Gerber^® Good Start^® Gentle is Gerber's closest formula to breastmilk and is the only powder infant formula with a blend of DHA, prebiotics and probiotics – all important components found in breastmilk.
- Stage 2 Gerber® Good Start^® Gentle formula is the only stage 2 powder infant formula that has probiotics.
- Stage 3 Gerber® Good Start^® Grow is the newest member of the Gerber^® Good Start® family. Specifically designed for toddlers' nutrition needs, it is the only stage 3 product with probiotics.
Gerber® Good Start^® Soothe products are for babies experiencing colic, excessive crying and fussiness so Gerber selected the probiotic L. reuteri. Studies using this probiotic have shown that it reduces the amount of time colicky infants may cry.

"At Gerber, we are always looking for ways to improve our products and ensure we are offering the best nutrition possible," said Aileen Stocks, Chief Marketing Officer of Gerber and mom of two. "By adding probiotics similar to those found in breastmilk to all our milk-based powder infant formulas, we are able to help support baby's developing digestive system and a healthy immune system."

In addition to offering probiotics in all its milk-based powders, all Gerber^® Good Start^® formulas are made without genetically engineered ingredients (GMOs).

For more information on Gerber products and services – including infant nutrition advice from a registered dietitian, breastfeeding support from a lactation consultant, and sleep advice from a baby sleep consultant– parents can visit Gerber.com or contact the Parents Resource Center at 1-800-284-9488.

About Gerber
Gerber was founded in 1928 in Fremont, Mich. Gerber Products Company joined the Nestlé family on September 1, 2007. Gerber Products Company is a leader in early childhood nutrition.

About Nestlé Nutrition
Nestlé S.A., is a world leader in nutrition, health and wellness. Gerber Products Company, founded in 1928, officially joined the Nestlé family in 2007. Nestlé and Gerber's combined resources and scientific research expertise have enabled the company to become a worldwide leader in early childhood nutrition. The Gerber^® Start Healthy, Stay Healthy™ Nutrition Journey combines educational resources and services designed to encourage the early establishment of healthy eating habits in children from birth to preschool.

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SOURCE Gerber