Another probiotic product has been launched, a probiotic infant formula from Nestlé with probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis, BIFIDUS BL.
The Swiss food giant claims Good Start Natural Cultures is the first US infant formula to contain probiotics for immune system support. The company says the Bifidobacterium lactis in its formula helps children improve the balance of microflora in their gastrointestinal tract, thereby supporting a healthy immune system.
Nestle says bifidobacteriais are naturally found in the digestive tracts of breastfed infants. In formula-fed infants the presence of probiotic “friendly bacteria” is significantly lower than in breastfed infants.
“The inclusion of probiotics clearly goes a step further than providing basic nutrients for growth and development by adding a functional component which addresses an important objective of nutrition: supporting and modulating an infant’s immune system,” said José Saavedra, medical and scientific director with Nestlé Nutrition.