News

Nestlé launches probiotic for breast feeding mothers

20 Jun 2019

Nestlé has announced the launch of MATERNA Opti-Lac, a probiotic solution for lactating mothers, to help them reduce the risk of breast pain and mastitis – a painful inflammatory condition of the breast – during breastfeeding.

MATERNA Opti-Lac is a food supplement that contains a patented unique probiotic strain L. fermentum LC40, naturally found in breastmilk of healthy mums to support breast health.

MATERNA Opti-Lac is being launched first in Hong Kong with several markets to follow in the coming months globally. The hard gel capsules should be taken daily from the start of breastfeeding. Products will be available in pharmacies, drugstores, baby stores, retail shops and hospitals.

Thierry Philardeau, Head of Nutrition Strategic Business Unit, said: ‘’Maternal and infant nutrition are equally important in the first 1000 days of life. We offer high-quality, nutritionally balanced and science-based products to mothers and babies during this period. With MATERNA Opti-Lac, we are helping mothers to continue breastfeeding and offer their babies a solid foundation for life. It is a privilege to accompany many millions of mothers on this journey.’’

Breastmilk is the ideal nutrition for babies, notes Nestlé, which is why the company says it promotes, protects and supports the World Health Organization’s recommendation of six months exclusive breastfeeding, followed by the introduction of adequate nutritious complementary foods along with sustained breastfeeding up to two years of age and beyond.

During breastfeeding, problems such as breast pain or mastitis can leave mums feeling so unwell that they often stop breastfeeding, Nestlé says. Mastitis affects up to one in three mums especially in the first three months of breastfeeding.

According to Nestlé , research has shown that L. fermentum LC40 may be an effective way to help mums reduce the risk of breast pain and mastitis while allowing them to continue breastfeeding.

Nestlé says it has been active in developing science-based products and services that support pregnant or breastfeeding mothers and their infants. Through research initiatives such as LIFE (Lactation for Infant Feeding Expertise), the company believes is better equipped to understand human milk composition and its association with maternal nutritional status and infant health.

Last year the company launched MATERNA G-Balance, a new nutritional solution for pregnant women to help prevent gestational diabetes. With the introduction of MATERNA Opti-Lac, Nestlé says it is strengthening its portfolio, underlining its commitment to support optimal nutrition for mothers and babies during the first 1000 days of life.