Dannon Danimals Adds Proven Benefits of Probiotics

10/01/07 To offer families more nutritious snacking choices and help kids stay healthy, the power of the world's most researched probiotic culture in children, Lactobacillus GG (LGG), is now part of the Danimals line of drinks specifically made for kids.

LGG is a natural probiotic culture that has been researched extensively and consumed safely since its identification in 1985. LGG has just been added to Danimals Drinks, including Danimals XL, and will be added to Danimals Cups in April.

Probiotics, which literally means "for life," have been used for centuries as natural components in health-promoting foods like yogurt. Probiotics are live cultures that, when consumed in sufficient quantities, provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. The benefits are due, in large part, to the effects of these so-called "friendly" bacteria on the intestine.

The Probiotic Benefits of LGG

LGG helps kids stay healthy as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. It is the most extensively researched culture in children with proven probiotic benefits and Danimals is the only kids low-fat yogurt and dairy drink to include LGG.

"More than 150 clinical trials, including more than 50 studies specifically performed in children, have evaluated the benefits of LGG on a variety of parameters, including how this probiotic culture helps maintain the normal function of the body," says Miguel Freitas, PhD, Scientific Affairs Manager for The Dannon Company.

Clinically proven to survive passage through the digestive tract, LGG has been shown to positively influence the balance of "friendly" bacteria in the digestive tract. LGG's scientifically proven benefits in children include positive effects on:

Gastrointestinal function. Clinical studies show that LGG helps maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria within the intestines.

Immune function. Clinical studies also suggest that LGG can help to support the immune system.

Maintenance of Oral Health. LGG may help keep oral microflora healthy by maintaining a healthy balance of the good bacteria in the mouth.

Only the Good Stuff

Dannon spoke to thousands of parents to determine what ingredients they consider to be nutritious and beneficial and what ingredients they steer away from when considering what to feed their kids. As a result, Danimals Drinks no longer contain artificial colors, artificial flavors or high fructose corn syrup and in April the same will be true for Danimals Cups. These products provide twice the calcium than leading kids' yogurts and are a good source of the protein, Vitamin D, and Riboflavin parents want, with 100 percent of the great taste and smooth, creamy texture kids love. In addition, Danimals Cups now contain 25% less sugar.

"Getting kids to eat right can be a challenge, and concerns about diet, obesity, and diabetes in young people are at an all-time high," said Michael Neuwirth, Dannon's Senior Director of Public Relations. "Proper nutrition is readily available at snack time as well as at family meals. By making Danimals better than ever, we're offering a delicious choice that parents and kids can feel good about and enjoy."