Gerber Good Start Introduces Formula Line with Probiotics

Gerber debuted a line of infant formulas with probiotics. 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 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," says Kristen Finn, 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," says 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).