Abbott launches new range of Similac infant formulas

Abbott has announced the release of an expanded range of its Similac infant formula line aimed at infants with feeding problems, such as gas or fussiness. New products to be sold under this brand name include Similac Sensitive, Similac Sensitive RS and Similac Go & Grow.

These products from Abbott Nutrition, the firm’s pharmaceutical foods division, are manufactured with a mix of carbohydrates designed to reduce gas in infants occurring as a result of insensitivity to lactose.

Clinical trials have shown Similac Sensitive RS to reduce the frequency of spit-up in feeding infants by 54 per cent as a result of its new formulation with added rice starch, the company reports.

Scott White, divisional vice-president and general manager of paediatric products at Abbott Nutrition, said: “We’ve expanded the umbrella of Similac products to help address babies’ specific needs while supplying the nutritional benefits moms have come to expect from Similac.”

He noted that all babies have unique feeding needs, adding that what may be appropriate for some infants’ diets may not be suitable for others.

In April 2007, research from scientists at the Clore laboratory suggested that baby foods containing the hormone leptin could help target obesity in humans.