The first few years of life are the most important period of childhood growth and development, but children are often exposed to various illnesses that could interfere during this important phase of development. Abbott today launches the new Similac Gold with 2′-FL (2′-fucosyllactose), the first growing-up milk in Malaysia to contain this special ingredient that supports the development of a child’s strong body defense system and Eye-Q® Nutrition System that helps their cognitive development.
Abbott has more than 15 years of pioneering research in 2′-FL and over 20 scientific studies which have shown that 2′-FL can play an important role in helping to build a strong body defense system and improve a child’s digestive health[i],[ii].
In one of the biggest breakthroughs in childhood nutrition in the last decade, Abbott is the first company in the world to bring 2′-FL to growing-up milk – designed for children ages 2 and up. In addition to supporting the body’s defense system, Similac Gold with 2′-FL is also the only growing-up milk in Malaysia with the scientifically proven Eye-Q® Nutrition System, which contains 10 essential nutrients with DHA, Lutein and Natural Vitamin E that help support the development of brain connections for faster learning.
“Through insights in Malaysia, we know parents want to ensure everything their child consumes helps to support their overall growth, body defense system and cognitive development,” said Mr Amal Kelshikar, Division Vice President of Abbott’s nutrition business.
“Good nutrition provides a strong foundation for a child to grow and thrive. As a global leader in nutrition science, we continuously lead ground-breaking research in childhood nutrition that enables us to introduce products like Similac Gold with 2′-FL that helps to strengthen their body defense system and supports cognitive development. When children are strong and well-equipped to defend against illness, they can learn faster, giving them a strong start in life,” said Kelshikar.
Science shows us a child’s body defense system can also have a significant effect on their brain development1. And research has shown that a strong body defense system goes hand-in-hand with better cognition to help children learn faster. “2′-FL helps strengthen the body’s defense system by nourishing the good bacteria in the gut, where 70% of the body’s defense exists. Keeping your child’s digestive system healthy also means strengthening their defenses,” said Dr Nina Mazera Mohd Said, Medical Director of Abbott’s nutrition business in Malaysia.
2′-FL is a prebiotic with a 3-prong mechanism that is beneficial for strengthening the body’s defense system development in a child’s early years of life, feeding the good bacteria in the gut and supporting the defense system beyond the gut. Since 85% of a child’s brain growth occurs in the first three years of life2, it is crucial to keep children strong so that they can learn faster. Children who learn faster will stay ahead of their peers with improved brain development.
First-of-its-Kind Product Authentication
The new Similac Gold with 2′-FL will also include two unique-to-Abbott product authenticity features – providing consumers with access to real-time information to authenticate the product as well as access to a reward program that consumers can enjoy great prizes.
“Authenticity and transparency are paramount to Abbott’s commitment to the quality and safety of our products,” said Kelshikar. “By providing this new authentication feature – parents will be able to verify the authenticity of the product from the simplicity and convenience of their own phone.”
Similac growing-up milk in Malaysia will offer this two-part authentication and reward coding to its packaging. This feature will be included in the Similac Gold range soon.
The new Similac Gold Gain Plus and Gain Kid with 2′-FL will be available at selected stores nationwide from 14 October 2019.
[i] Psych Central. Immune system strongly tied to children’s brain development. Available from https://psychcentral.com/news/2014/03/02/immune-system-strongly-tied-to-childrens-brain-development/66562.html. Last accessed July 6, 2019.
[ii] Mahoney AD, et al. Talk with me baby: Georgia’s language nutrition strategy to bridge the world gap. Available from http://www.bwgresnet.res.ku.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/TWMB-1.pdf. Last accessed July 6, 2019.
