Nutrition, environment, and safety are key essentials in forming the cognitive health of a child. As parents, we want them to learn as fast as they can. But the way to win is not by learning fast but by learning early.
In the first three years of a child, experts say, their brain goes through an amazing period wherein their development is at its fastest. Each touch, movement, and emotion in a young child’s life translates into an explosion of electrical and chemical activity in the brain.
Brain, immunity, and gut are three factors that contribute to a child’s intellectual health. But challenges like poor nutrition, stress, and illnesses can slow down or interfere this development.
Stress results in increased cortisol levels which may hamper brain growth, thus it is vital that parents to show their love and affection via a comforting touch, for instance.
Illnesses are also inevitable, but proper nutrition and stimulation, as well as a strong immune system, reduce the chance of acquiring serious diseases.
In a bid to support the immunity development of children 3 years old and above, Abbott has launched the new Similac GainSchool with 2’-FL HMO (human milk oligosaccharides), a protective ingredient previously not found in any formula milk.
With more than 15 years of pioneering research in HMO and more than 20 clinical and pre-clinical studies, Abbott has found that HMO can play an important role in helping build a strong immune system, reduce infections, and improve a child’s digestive health. Abbott is the first company in the world to include 2’-FL HMO in its growing-up milk.
“HMO helps strengthen the immune system by nourishing the good bacteria in the gut where 70 percent of the immune system exists. Keeping your child’s digestive system healthy also means strengthening their immunity,” said Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano, Jr.
In the Philippines, the most common cause of infections in young children is related to upper respiratory tract infections. HMO is associated with the reduction of up to 66 percent of these infections.
In addition to supporting immunity development, Similac GainSchool is also the only growing-up milk in the Philippines with the clinically proven EyeQ Plus Nutrition System, which contains 10 essential brain nutrients that help support the development of brain connections for faster learning.
Similac GainSchool also contains nutrients that are essential in nourishing strong cognitive development.
“One of the main pillars of pediatric health is cognition, which consists of learning, acquiring knowledge, and performing executive functions,” said Dr. Ria de Guzman. “What I found interesting in Similac GainSchool with HMO is that it contains DHA, Lutein, and Natural Vitamin E, all of which help support a child’s nutritional needs.”
Go to www.abbott.com for more information.
Photos by Mae Gianina C. Pascual