Danone launches new science-based probiotic supplement to support breastfeeding experiences

Danone’s new probiotic supplement, Almimama, now launched in Spain, can support breastfeeding by helping to reduce the incidence of mastitis, according to findings from a clinical study

12-Jul-2023 - France

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Danone has used its expertise in breastmilk research and breastfeeding to develop Almimama, a probiotic supplement that can help reduce the incidence of mastitis. Affecting approximately one in four mothers¹, mastitis (inflammation in the breast) causes flu-like symptoms and breast pain, as well as skin rashes, fever and breast engorgement.

Breastmilk is widely recognized as nature’s most powerful nutrition and tailormade for a baby’s needs, providing many short- and long-term benefits for both babies and mothers. Despite these benefits, only 48% of babies under six months of age are exclusively breastfed³. Research has shown complications like mastitis are one of the key barriers to continue breastfeeding ^4.

Research has shown probiotic supplementation during late pregnancy and in the early stages of breastfeeding reduces the incidence of mastitis^2,5. Probiotics or ‘’good bacteria’’ are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, bring a health benefit to the people consuming them. Almimama is the only synbiotic supplement for pregnant or lactating mothers that combines the probiotic strain L. salivarius PS2 with fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS).

A recent study found that taking probiotics with this specific probiotic strain can significantly reduce the incidence of mastitis by up to 59% compared to placebo if taken during pregnancy². Because mastitis is considered one of the main reasons mothers stop breastfeeding,

Almimama has the potential to support or extend the duration of breastfeeding. It is recommended to be taken in the third trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. “Many women say during pregnancy they used to imagine what it would be like to give birth, but they never, or rarely, consider not being able to breastfeed. They are given little information in this regard and may not know that complications occur in up to one-third of cases. We understand this can be distressing and, with this solution, we hope to support mothers in extending their breastfeeding journey as long as possible,” commented Rocio Martin, Global Medical and Scientific Affairs Director at Danone.

Danone is committed to supporting parents in all feeding journeys. With the launch of Almimama in Spain, it concretely reinforces its support of the journey of breastfeeding mothers. Almimama is provided in packs of 30 powdered sachets, to be taken once a day as per the recommended dose. The supplement has a neutral taste and dissolves quickly in water. Each pack features a special QR code linking to online content about breastfeeding and its benefits.
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¹ Wilson, E.; Woodd, S.L.; Benova, L. Incidence of and Risk Factors for Lactational Mastitis: A Systematic Review. J. Hum. Lact. 2020, 36, 673–686. [CrossRef]

² Jiménez E, Manzano S, Schlembach D, Arciszewski K, Martin R, Ben Amor K, Roelofs M, Knol J, Rodríguez JM, AbouDakn M, Premium Study Group. Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS2 Supplementation during Pregnancy and Lactation Prevents Mastitis: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Microorganisms. 2021.

³ UNICEF. Too few children benefit from recommended breastfeeding practices. Available at: https://data.unicef.org/topic/nutrition/breastfeeding/#:~:text=Yet%20despite%20all%20the%20potential,age%20worl dwide%20are%20exclusively%20breastfed.

⁴ Pevzner M, Dahan A. Mastitis While Breastfeeding: Prevention, the Importance of Proper Treatment, and Potential Complications. J Clin Med. 2020 Jul 22;9(8):2328.

⁵ Fernández L, Cárdenas N, Arroyo R, Manzano S, Jiménez E, Martín V, Rodríguez JM. Prevention of Infectious Mastitis by Oral Administration of Lactobacillus salivarius PS2 During Late Pregnancy. Clin Infect Dis. 2016;62(5):568-73

https://www.yumda.com/en/news/1181044/danone-launches-new-science-based-probiotic-supplement-to-support-breastfeeding-experiences.html