Breast is always best, but what about cases when breastfeeding is not an option? Mothers will be happy to learn that 10 years of research carried out by well-known brands Milupa and Nutricia has now led to the development of formula milk that more closely resembles breast milk. Prebiotics (which are found in human milk and strengthen a baby’s immune system) can now be extracted from natural products and included in formula milk.

This breakthrough has undergone detailed laboratory and clinical testing and, after intense scrutiny, the scientific advisers to the European Commission have deemed these prebiotics as safe and beneficial to the baby.

At the moment, Milupa’s and Nutricia’s baby formula milks are the only ones containing prebiotics that are allowed on the European market.

This is because no substances can be added to formula milk unless they have been proved to have a beneficial effect on the child.

John Wells, a paediatric nutritionist from the UK with 30 years of wide-ranging experience in this field, recently addressed medical and paramedical professionals in Malta and presented them with the latest findings by Milupa and Nutricia on the strengthening of immunity from a nutritional perspective.

The presentation was chaired by Dr Simon Attard Montalto, chairman of Paediatrics at St Luke’s

Hospital.

On this occasion, Pemix Ltd also presented the Paediatrics Department with two pulse oxymeters – devices that measure the amount of oxygen through the baby’s skin which are extremely valuable in treating children with respiratory and chest problems.