Specialised Nutrition
We know nutrition has the power to make a positive difference to health. Our Specialised Nutrition business is fundamental to our purpose of bringing health through food to as many people as possible.
We develop foods suitable for specific nutritional needs at all stages of life, including for special medical purposes. We focus on specialised nutrition for:
Starting early life
What we eat and drink as babies influences our health and can impact our food preferences later in life. We know that breast milk is the best source of nutrition with many short and long-term benefits for both infants and mothers. However, some women cannot, or choose not to, breastfeed. They need safe options for their babies and young children. Our portfolio of formula milks is inspired by over 40 years of research in early life science.
Health conditions in early life
Sometimes specialised medical nutrition is necessary in early life. If babies are born prematurely or are diagnosed with cow’s milk allergy, standard milk formulas may not be suitable, or sufficient to support their growth. To manage their condition and alleviate symptoms, where breastfeeding may not always be possible, these babies need specially formulated medical nutrition. Similarly, some babies and young children are diagnosed with faltering growth as a result of an underlying medical condition or cannot eat and drink normally. To help them grow and thrive, they may need medical nutrition products that provide a balance of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Nutrition in times of illness
In adulthood, adapted nutrition can support recovery from illnesses and address malnutrition that can develop due to disease. People who have suffered a stroke or who are fighting illnesses such as cancer can have difficulty meeting their nutritional needs through normal food alone. This means they need specific nutrition, in specialised formats. In these scenarios, medical nutrition can support better clinical outcomes and provide food and drink adjusted to the specific nutritional needs of patients.
Nutrition as we age
As we get older, we all want to continue being able to do the things we value and enjoy the most. But as we age, we become more vulnerable to malnutrition due to an underlying disease or condition. If not diagnosed, malnutrition can lead to muscle loss and physical frailty, making older people more vulnerable to falls and fractures. The right nutritional care at the right time can help older people maintain their mobility and independence, enabling them to age in good health. Our range of medical nutrition products is specifically adapted into formats that address eating and drinking difficulties that an older person might experience, which can put these people at risk of malnutrition.
Important Notice
Breastfeeding is best for babies and provides many benefits. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, you eat a varied, balanced diet. Combined breast and bottle feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of your own breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. The social and financial implications of using an infant formula should be considered. Improper use of an infant formula or inappropriate foods or feeding methods may present a health hazard. If you use an infant formula, you should follow manufacturer’s instructions for use carefully – failure to follow the instructions may make your baby ill. Always consult your doctor, midwife or health visitor for advice about feeding your baby.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Breastfeeding is best. Infant milk is suitable from birth when babies are not breastfed. Follow-on milk is only for babies over 6 months, as part of a mixed diet and should not be used as a breastmilk substitute before 6 months. We advise that the use of formula milks and the decision to start weaning should be made only on the advice of a doctor, dietitian, pharmacist or other professional responsible for maternal and child care based on baby’s individual needs. Use Toddler milk as part of a varied, balanced diet from 1 year.