Abbott launches infant formula in Canada

Abbott announced the launch of its most innovative infant formula yet, Similac Pro-Advance with 2′-Fucosyllactose Oligosaccharide† (2′-FL†). It is said to be the first product in Canada with this breakthrough ingredient in infant formula.

Breast milk is considered the gold standard to feed an infant, and breastfed babies tend to have stronger immune systems than those fed formula. This is due in part to the many immune components found in breastmilk, including the protective qualities of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs).1,5,6,7 HMOs are the third most abundant solid component of breast milk after fat and carbohydrates (lactose1,8), and research has shown they play a fundamental role in a baby’s digestive health and immunity.1,3,9 One of HMOs’ best-known functions is that they act as prebiotics, nourishing the good bacteria in the baby’s gut.1,10 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) (pronounced 2 fyou-ko-sil-lac-tose) is the most abundant HMO found in the breast milk of most mothers.

For some parents, breast milk is not always available or chosen. And, for babies who are not exclusively breastfed, infant formula is the only suitable and safe alternative. That’s why Abbott developed a new Similac formula with 2′-FL†, which is an ingredient identical in structure to 2′-FL HMO, an immune component found in breast milk.2,3,4 Abbott is a leader in HMO and 2′-FL† research and has sponsored at least 20 clinical and pre-clinical studies on the topic, leading the company to develop Similac Pro-Advance with 2′-FL†.

New understanding and scientific developments have allowed Abbott’s scientists to harness the power of 2′-FL† in infant formula, an innovation designed to help support a baby’s developing immune system. New data continues to deepen the evidence for the beneficial impact of 2′-FL on infant gut and immune development.

“Parents want to know that their child is getting the nutrition they need, and breastfeeding is known to have many health benefits,” says Nishta Saxena, a registered dietician and nutritionist of her practice, Vibrant Nutrition. “Parents who use formula can feel more confident, knowing that the inclusion of 2′-FL† in infant formula was inspired by an immune component found in human milk.”

Rachael Buck, the research fellow at Abbott, said, “At Abbott, we know that breast milk provides protective components a baby needs to thrive. That’s why we have spent more than 20 years researching HMOs and their impact on immune and gut health so that we can understand the role they play in supporting the development of a baby’s immune system during the critical first years of their life. We wanted to replicate 2′-FL found in breast milk so that more babies could possibly benefit.”

Research published in the Journal of Nutrition studied more than 200 babies to compare breastfed babies’ differences and those fed formula with or without 2′-FL†.2,4 The peer-reviewed study found that formula-fed babies had five gaps in immune markers compared to the breastfed group. When babies were fed formula with 2′-FL†, these measures of immune function were more like those seen in the breastfed reference group.2 This shows that 2′-FL† may help support baby’s developing immune system. Similac Pro-Advance with 2′-FL† will be available in all major retailers.

Breast milk is best for babies, as it contains many immune factors not available in infant formula, and its use is recommended for as long as possible during infancy. Breastfeeding provides many benefits to both mother and baby. We recommend that you speak to your healthcare professional for advice on how to feed your baby.

†Not derived from human milk; identical structure to 2′-FL found in breast milk.

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. The company’s portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional, and branded generic medicines.