News

NZMP SureStart™ probiotic may reduce cold and flu in young children

A recently published paper details the positive findings of a study on SureStart™ BifidoB HN019™ in Chinese infants1.

28 Sep 2022

2 min

#Infant Nutrition #SureStart™ #News #Probiotics #Immunity

While there is plenty of evidence to suggest that probiotics have health-giving properties, each strain offers different benefits and only a few are clinically proven. A recently published scientific paper highlights some of the positive immunity attributes of SureStart™ BifidoB HN019™ in particular, for reducing cold and flu infections in infants. SureStart™ BifidoB HN019™, is a paediatric-suitable probiotic ingredient developed to support immunity and offer protection for infants and young children.

The trial was conducted during winter, in Fuyang, China, and enrolled 192 healthy infants aged 6-12 months. Over the course of 12 weeks, the infants received one of three follow-on formula solutions supplemented with either HN019™, HN001™, or no added probiotics. The results showed a clear reduction in both infections and the need for prescribed antibiotic or antiviral medication for the infants receiving HN019™.

Key research outcomes:

  • HN019™ was effective at reducing upper respiratory tract infections (cold and flu).
  • No confirmed cases of viral or bacterial infections were reported in the HN019™ group.
  • No infants in the HN019™ group required antibiotics or antiviral medication.
  • The products containing HN019™ or HN001™ were well tolerated and supported normal growth.

Mum and baby wearing a green shirt

 

Dr James Dekker, Fonterra R&D Programme Manager Nutrition and Health, says the research gives paediatric nutrition brands the ability to provide their consumers with trust and reassurance in the product they are purchasing.

SureStart™ BifidoB HN019™ has shown immune support attributes in infants that consume the ingredient. This includes increasing the activity of immune cells active against infections2 and reducing the rates of antibiotic use3.

Read the full report here.

SureStart™ BifidoB HN019™ provides early-life nutrition brands with the opportunity to increase their market share of paediatric and maternal products through premium positioning or via range extensions. With clearly defined and demonstrable health benefits, HN019™ is backed by highly credible scientific evidence to support the core needs of parents and caregivers.

SureStart™ probiotics are developed to meet three criteria; safety, efficacy, and stability. BifidoB HN019™ has a well-established safety record and is one of the few strains approved for use in foods for infants and young children in China. Its superior shelf-life stability provides a high survival rate in powdered applications enabling a lower addition rate and therefore, a more competitive cost.

Find out more about how you can build a trusted brand for your consumers with the many health benefits of SureStart™ BifidoB HN019™.

  • [1] Dekker et al. (2022)
  • [2] Miller et al. (2017)
  • [3] Dekker et al. (2017) and Sazawal et al. (2010)

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