Abbott quenches public thirst for immune support with fresh hydration formulas

15 Dec 2020 --- Abbott is adding to the ever-growing immunity market with a reformulated version of its hydration offering Pedialyte. 

Pedialyte with Immune Support is developed with the same electrolytes and glucose found in Abbott’s original Pedialyte rehydration products. It is available in mixed berry and fruit punch flavors.

The product includes prebiotics, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc, specifically chosen for their role in supporting the immune system.

“Understanding consumers’ concerns this year, our team of nutrition scientists developed an advanced hydration formula with key nutrients designed to support the immune system,” says Daniel Salvadori, executive vice president of Abbott’s nutrition business.

Pedialyte’s original formulations were created over 50 years ago to help sick children recover from dehydration symptoms by providing needed fluid and electrolytes. They are now available in 1 L bottles or powder pack formats. 

Abbott’s Pedialyte with Immune Support adds immunity-friendly ingredients to its 50-year-old hydration formula.Hydration supports immunity
Hydration is an often-overlooked element of overall health, says the company, and can help during recovery from illnesses. 

Abbott is looking to draw attention to the scientific importance of dietary changes and supplements in strengthening immunity.

“Making changes to our diets is a good way to get nutrients that support the immune system. 

About 70 percent of our immune system is in the digestive tract, making nutrition a critical aspect of immune health,” says Barbara Marriage, nutrition science lead for pediatric nutrition at Abbott. 

In addition to its new immunity formula, Pedialyte has also launched:

• Pedialyte Organic, available in crisp lemon berry and grape. It is certified organic with no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners and includes zinc.
• Pedialyte Electrolyte Water with Zero Sugar contains zinc and three key electrolytes: sodium, chloride and potassium sugar. It is free of artificial flavors or colors.

The global thirst for immunity 
Abbott’s new range joins a plethora of NPD seeking to capitalize on the immunity market through beverage formulas in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Californian company Hydralate recently launched a drink mix for hydration that touts its immune-supporting properties. Florida-based Natural Cure Labs began producing supplements it calls Liquid Immune Support, and a new company named Nutrient Survival released a range of hot and cold immunity targeted drinks. 

According to Innova Market Insights, immunity claims on product packaging rose by an average of 15 percent per year between 2015 and 2019.

Hot drinks and sports nutrition were the second and third fastest-growing categories, with CAGRs of 22 percent and 18 percent, respectively. 

Edited 

By Louis Gore-Langton