Nutrition for taking on the world

As babies become young children, they change as much on the inside as the outside, as their gut microbiota evolve due to the introduction of solid foods

Laursen, M. F., Bahl, M. I., Michaelsen, K. F., & Licht, T. R. (2017). First foods and gut microbes. Frontiers in Microbiology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2017.00356

86

, and their immune system further matures

Martin, R., Nauta, A. J., Ben Amor, K., Knippels, L. M. J., Knol, J., & Garssen, J. (2010). Early life: Gut microbiota and immune development in infancy. Beneficial Microbes. https://doi.org/10.3920/BM2010.0027

97

.Their brains develop too, as they begin to focus on language and higher cognitive functions

Nelson, C. A. (2000). Neural plasticity and human development: The role of early experience in sculpting memory systems. Developmental Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-7687.00104

108

. Explore new ways to meet their needs with ingredient solutions parents will love.

The growth and development of young children relies on getting adequate nutrients and creating an environment in the gut that welcomes the right bacteria

Laursen, M. F., Bahl, M. I., Michaelsen, K. F., & Licht, T. R. (2017). First foods and gut microbes. Frontiers in Microbiology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2017.00356

86

. Brands can help parents ensure their children grow up healthy by leveraging proven and trusted ingredients that support physical as well as mental development.

What health issues are parents and healthcare professionals around the globe witnessing?

Research reveals what parents need the most support with, when it comes to early childhood nutrition.

Worldwide, 50% of children under the age of five suffer from micronutrient deficiencies

147

.
Healthcare professionals state that immune-related symptoms such as fever, runny nose and cough are most frequently reported by parents of children aged 1-3 years

FrieslandCampina Ingredients & YouGov Early Life Nutrition survey Indonesia and Vietnam, 2022

42

.
Across all countries surveyed in a recent exclusive global study, immune health was one of the top three concerns for parents with children aged 3-5

Innova Market Insights & RFC, Early Life Nutrition survey, 2020

41

.
But parental priorities change between countries with this age group: vitamin and mineral deficiency is more important to parents in the UK and emerging markets, whereas muscle development tops the table in the USA

Innova Market Insights & RFC, Early Life Nutrition survey, 2020

41

.
In France and China, emotional wellbeing ranks very highly for parents of young children, but it falls outside the top five concerns in Indonesia

Innova Market Insights & RFC, Early Life Nutrition survey, 2020

41

.
A recent parental insights survey in Indonesia and Vietnam showed that ready-to-drink solutions represent 40% of the complementary food given by parents to their children, with the main drivers being to support ‘growth and development’ and ‘immune health’

FrieslandCampina Ingredients & YouGov Early Life Nutrition survey Indonesia and Vietnam, 2022

42

Explore Our Areas of Expertise

Health Benefits

Natural

Solutions & Applications

Ingredient Index

Want more of the latest insights on early childhood nutrition?

FrieslandCampina Ingredients is proud to play a global leadership role in the young child formula industry, backed by over 75 years of experience in ingredients manufacturing and research in early life nutrition. We never stop bringing the future forward through innovation —get in touch for more exclusive insights from parents and HCPs.