And Baby Makes Three...New Offerings in Culturelle® Probiotic Family

CROMWELL, Conn., Nov. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Along with their first laugh, first words and first steps, a less visible but equally significant milestone occurs early in a baby's life: the development of their microbiome. Developing a healthy microbiome?the bacteria that live mainly inside the digestive system?during the first two years of life can set the foundation for a baby's healthy growth and development.¹ To help support the growth of good bacteria in a baby's tummy, the probiotic brand most recommended by pediatricians^? has introduced Culturelle^® Baby, a line of probiotic products specifically formulated for babies 0?24 months.^*

Factors like a healthy pregnancy, medication and how the baby was delivered and fed, can all contribute to the microbiome development. When one or more of those factors is affected, probiotics can provide babies with good bacteria that help fortify their microbiome.^{* 2}

"A healthy microbiome can have a positive effect on a baby's digestive and immune functioning," said Dr. Jen Trachtenberg^{^}, pediatrician and mother of three. "Restoring the balance of good bacteria can be beneficial in the short term by reducing digestive issues that may be causing baby's fussiness, while also helping to build up their natural immune defenses to promote long-term health."

Culturelle^® Baby products contain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG^®), the most clinically studied probiotic strain in infants^? and are free of GMOs, gluten^?, dairy^?? and dyes.

Culturelle^® Baby Calm + Comfort probiotic drops with Chamomile help reduce crying and fussiness due to occasional digestive upset, by restoring the balance of healthy bacteria in a baby's digestive system.^* 

Culturelle^® Baby Grow + Thrive contains both LGG^® and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12^tm probiotic strains to help support the healthy development of a baby's digestive and immune systems.^* It supplements the good bacteria naturally found in breast milk and contains vitamin D for strong bones.^*

"New parents have enough to think about when it comes to creating a healthy foundation for their newborn. Culturelle^® Baby gives them the peace of mind that comes with a clinically studied probiotic strain, in an easy-to-use format," stated Nicole Bourdeau, senior brand manager for Culturelle^® Kids and Baby. "That way, parents can spend more time enjoying their baby's other milestones in those first few years."

Culturelle^® Baby Calm + Comfort and Culturelle^® Baby Grow + Thrive are offered in drop form and can be dispensed directly into the baby's mouth, bottle or while breastfeeding for newborns up to 12 months. Grow + Thrive is also available as a flavorless packet that can be mixed into cold or room temperature food or drink for babies 12?24 months.

Culturelle^® Baby probiotics are available now at Amazon.com. They will be available at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, CVS and Walgreens beginning in January 2018, with a suggested retail price of $25.99.

About Culturelle^® Probiotics
Culturelle^® is a leading probiotic brand focused on supporting the digestive and immune health of families worldwide.^*??? Its portfolio of products covers the needs of families from infants to adults. It contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, the most clinically studied probiotic strain^?, which has been demonstrated to restore the natural balance of "good" bacteria in the digestive tract to help alleviate occasional digestive distress as well as support the body's natural defenses.^*

^*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

¹ Mueller, Noel. The Infant Microbiome Development: Mom Matters. Trends In Molecular Medicine. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269632093_The_Infant_Microbiome_Development_Mom_Matters 
² Probiotics: The Friendly Bacteria. Parents Magazine: http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/feeding/healthy-eating/probiotics-the-friendly-bacteria/

^? Based on a 2016 survey among pediatricians recommending a probiotic brand.
^{^} Dr. Trachtenberg is a paid spokesperson for Culturelle^®.
^? Based on the number of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG clinical studies, as of May 2017.
^? Meets the FDA's guidelines for gluten-free.
^?? While there are no dairy-derived ingredients in the product, it is produced in a facility that also handles dairy ingredients.
^??? Based on: Nielsen xAOC 52 weeks ending September 30, 2017.

Culturelle^® is a trademark of DSM.
LGG^® and BB-12^tm are trademarks of Chr. Hansen A/S. 

SOURCE Culturelle