Abbott is the first in the world to introduce human milk oligosaccharides (HMO*) in children’s growing-up milk, with 2’-FL HMO – a special ingredient that supports the development of a strong immune system now available in Similac GainSchool. New Similac GainSchool is backed by clinically proven EyeQ Plus Nutrition System including DHA, Lutein and Natural Vitamin E as essential brain nutrients. When young children spend time in pre-school, they may be exposed not only to the wonders of the world around them but also to various illnesses that could interfere with their development.

Abbott launched the new Similac GainSchool with 2’-FL HMO, for children above 3 years – the first growing up milk in the Philippines to contain the immune-nourishing ingredient 2’- fucosyllactose (2’FL) human milk oligosaccharides (HMO*). With more than 15 years of pioneering research in HMO* and more than 20 clinical and pre-clinical studies, Abbott has shown that HMO* can play an important role in helping to build a strong immune system, reduce infections, and improve a child’s digestive health. In one of the biggest breakthroughs in childhood nutrition in the last decade, Abbott is the first company in the world to include 2’-FL HMO in its growing-up milk, for children above three years. In addition to supporting immunity development, Similac Gain School is also the only growing-up milk in the Philippines with the clinically proven EyeQ Plus Nutrition System, which contains 10 essential brain nutrients with DHA, Lutein and Natural Vitamin E(NVE) that help support the development of brain connections for faster learning. 

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At the launch event themed ‘Celebrating Firsts with Abbott’, Danica Sotto-Pingris, actress, TV host and mother of two children said, “Like any other mom out there, being on top of my children’s nutritional needs and overall health is a must for me. I want to ensure the things they consume help support both their growth and immune development. If they are strong and well-equipped against sickness, I am confident they will learn faster, reach their milestones and have a strong start in life.” “That’s why I am excited Abbott has introduced a new growing-up milk with nutrients to help strengthen a child’s immune system and support their cognitive development,” added Danica as she shared her experience of raising her children.

Two medical and nutritional experts at the event, Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr., medical director of Abbott’s nutrition business in the Philippines and Dr. Ria de Guzman, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, spoke on the importance of nutrition in the overall development and growth of a child, as well as the science-based nutrition behind the new Similac GainSchool. The informative sessions expounded on the two vital nutritional factors that are incorporated in the new Similac GainSchool— 2’-FL HMO* for the support of gut health and the immunesystem, and the EyeQ Plus Nutrition System, for the support of brain development.

Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr. explained, “HMO helps strengthen the immune system by nourishing the good bacteria in the gut, where 70% of the immune system exists. Keeping your child’s digestive system healthy also means strengthening their immunity.”

In the Philippines, the most common cause of infections in young children is related to upper respiratory tract infections.2 HMO is associated with the reduction of up to 66% of these infections. “Good nutrition provides a strong foundation for a child to grow and thrive. With Abbott’sbreakthrough science, adding nutrients such as 2’-FL HMO and nucleotides in the new Similac Gain School growing up milk means a child now has more protection for stronger immunity,” Dr Dimaano added. Similac Gain School also contains nutrients that are essential in nourishing strong cognitive development.

As per Dr. Ria de Guzman said, “One of the main pillars of pediatric health is cognition, which consists of learning, acquiring knowledge, and performing executive functions. What I found interesting in Similac Gain School with HMO is that it contains DHA, Lutein and Natural Vitamin E, all of which help support a child’s nutritional needs and can enable faster brain connections, for faster learning,” she said.

#About Abbott:

At Abbott, we’re committed to helping people live their best possible life through the power of health. For more than 125 years, we’ve brought new products and technologies to the world –in nutrition, diagnostics, medical devices and branded generic pharmaceuticals – that create more possibilities for more people at all stages of life. Today, 99,000 of us are working to help people live not just longer, but better, in the more than 150 countries we serve.