ON October 28, 2024, Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr., area medical director for Asia Pacific at Abbott, and renowned Pediatric Gastroenterologist Dr. Jenniffer Olay led the discussion at the Essential Conversations event held at the Shangri-La Makati Hotel. This gathering brought together media professionals and mommy bloggers to discuss strategies for boosting children’s immunity. The session, hosted by mom Cerah Hernandez, served as a platform for sharing valuable insights and information on protecting young ones from illness and ensuring their overall nutritional well-being. It was shared during the event that nearly 40 percent of Filipino children may be at risk of weak immunity and poor gut health.
Gut health is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of overall wellness, particularly in young children. Seventy percent of the immune system resides in the gut, which is why it is crucial to support children’s developing digestive system and provide the building blocks they need from the start. The gut houses a balance of bacteria that plays an important role in overall health. However, there are instances when there aren’t enough good bacteria, which is common in children born via c-section or frequent users of antibiotics. This imbalance may put these children’s immunity at risk.
This is further supported by the article published by Howard Bostwick, MD, on July 31,2024 at the Boston Children’s Health Physicians website (tinyurl.com/mrfk33zs). The article points out that gut health is important for your child’s overall health and development starting from infancy, even prenatally. It states that digestion plays an important role in the gastrointestinal system, the immune system, and overall well-being. It advises that parents should start paying attention to their child’s gut health from the start. According to the article, breastfeeding supports a healthy gut microbiome in babies; as they get older, introducing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can promote gut health. It suggests foods that are good for your child’s gut health like high-fiber options like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes; and fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. It also cautions to limit processed foods, sugary snacks and drinks, as well as foods high in unhealthy fats, as they can negatively affect gut health. It states that the signs of a healthy gut in your child include regular bowel movements that are soft and easy to pass, a good appetite, consistent energy levels, and a stronger immune system. It even states that the gut is very important for overall health, and it is often called the “second brain.”
It is good to know that now there is Similac Essencia+, Abbott’s next generation of milk formula with a blend of five different HMOs (human milk oligosaccharides), BB-12 probiotics and nucleotides. This new formula provides nutrition to support children’s growth, development and overall health, including their developing brains, plus immune and digestive systems. Abbott is a global healthcare leader.
“One of the best-kept secrets in preventing illness and boosting the immune system can be found in the gut because of the strong connection between a child’s gut and their immune system,’’ said Dr. Jose Dimaano Jr., nutrition medical director for Abbott in Asia Pacific. “After delivering the first pediatric formula with HMOs in 2016, we are launching our latest formula which is specially designed to optimize gut health so we can help parents keep children healthy now and in the future.’’ Abbott has pioneered research on HMOs in milk formula, supporting the first and many published studies on the addition of HMOs in pediatric formula. Since introducing the world’s first milk formula with 2’-FL HMO, the company has added four additional HMOs to its milk formula. Similac Essencia+ with five HMOs, BB-12 probiotics and nucleotides helps restore gut balance and rebuild immunity helping reduce infection and sick days. This is part of Abbott’s ongoing commitment to support Filipino children’s health from an early age.
Similac Essencia+ is now available in all major supermarkets nationwide and online via Lazada & Shopee. More information on the science of Similac Essencia+ is available at tinyurl.com/4sezbtxf.