Abbott Launches Similac Essencia®+ to Help Support Children with Vulnerable Immune Systems

• Nearly 40% of Filipino children may be at risk of weak immunity and poor gut health
• Similac Essencia®+ with its unique blend of five HMOs (human milk oligosaccharides), BB-12 probiotics and nucleotides is designed to rebuild the immune system, strengthen the digestive system and enable children to grow, learn and thrive.

Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano, Jr., Area Medical Director for Pacific Asia at Abbott (right), and renowned Pediatric Gastroenterologist Dr. Jenniffer Olay (center) 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. Moderated by event host and fellow mommy Cerah Hernandez(left), the session served as a platform for sharing valuable insights and information on protecting young ones from illness and ensuring their overall nutritional well-being. This essential gathering of insights and shared knowledge was proudly presented by Abbott.

MANILA - Abbott today announced the launch of Similac Essencia®+, the company’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, immune and digestive systems.

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.

''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.

Abbott recently introduced its latest product in pediatric nutrition, Similac Essencia+, specially designed to support immunity in children. The product was launched during the Essential Conversations event, led by Abbott General Manager Mike Escobar(left) and Abbott Area Medical Director for Pacific Asia, Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr.(right).

The introduction of Similac Essencia® + 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 retail stores Lazada & Shopee. For more information on the science of Similac Essencia®+, visit https://www.family.abbott/ph-en/similac-gainschool/home.html. (PR)