Groupe Danone initiates symposium to discuss probiotics, children's nutritional needs

20/09/05 As the 18th International Congress of Nutrition got underway in Durban, South Africa, Groupe Danone, the parent of The Dannon Company, has commenced a symposium addressing nutrition solutions to the major health problems of pre-school aged children. Groupe Danone will award a prestigious international nutrition prize on September 20 and hold a second symposium to present research findings in the emerging field of probiotics, or "friendly" bacteria, on September 21.

At a special reception in Durban, Groupe Danone will honor Professor David Barker of the University of Southampton, United Kingdom and The Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon, with the 5th Danone International Prize for Nutrition. The prize includes an award of Euro 120,000 (USD $147,000).

Professor Barker will be awarded this prize for having developed the innovative concept of the fetal origin of many chronic diseases in adults.

Based on strong epidemiological data, Professor Barker demonstrated that under-nutrition in the womb and during infancy changes the structure, physiology and function of a baby's body. These changes, which tend to persist throughout life, increase the risk of chronic adult diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. His findings suggest new strategies for disease prevention, focusing on the nutrition of young women and the nutrition and growth of their babies and young children.

The Danone International Prize for Nutrition recognizes researchers or research teams who have developed novel concepts in nutrition and contributed to advancing the frontiers of human nutrition. The prize, created in 1997 with the scientific support of the Fondation Recherche Medicale in Paris, France, is a cornerstone program of Danone Institute International, a non- profit association that promotes the exchange of information related to the relationship between diet, nutrition and health.

Malnutrition is a major threat to the health of young children, and encompasses a range of issues, from under-nutrition to over-nutrition and the developmental and health problems that can result. The causes of childhood malnutrition include socio-economic, environmental, cultural and educational factors.

To address this issue, Groupe Danone hosted a symposium entitled, "Nutrition Solutions to Major Health Problems of Preschool Children: How to Optimize Growth and Development." The symposium "aims to generate a sound exchange on causes, impact and, most importantly, effective solutions," explained Professor Peter Jones, Chairman of the symposium and Vice President of Danone Institute International, which sponsored the symposium.

Leading experts on childhood nutrition from around the world reviewed available data and identified further research needs on the nutritional causes, consequences and solutions related to major health problems of children between the ages of three and six years. The experts also showcased successful initiatives that have improved the health of pre-school children worldwide.

Three U.S.-based experts were among the presenters. Professor Lindsay Allen of the University of California, Los Angeles, discussed issues that impact diet, such as affordability and accessibility; Dr. Milla McLachlan of the World Bank in Washington D.C. addressed the economic aspects of malnutrition; and Professor Ian Darnton-Hill, of UNICEF and Johns Hopkins University, discussed educational and nutritional policies specifically developed to aid children.

Literally meaning "good for life," probiotics are "friendly" bacteria that can help impact the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract, where about 70 percent of the body's immune system is located. In a scientific symposium sponsored by Danone Vitapole, Groupe Danone's international research center based in Palaiseau, France, internationally renowned experts will explore the topic of probiotics and human health. The experts will present an update of the health benefits associated with probiotics such as: protection, transit, and nutrients absorption.

Danone Vitapole will also introduce its free educational DVD entitled, "So, Which Bacteria Did You Eat Today?" The DVD uses animation to tell the story of two probiotic bacteria that face challenges on their journey through the human digestive tract.