GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect Formula – Powder

The GOOD START family of formulas includes:

• GOOD START® Protect: Specially designed to help support Baby's healthy immune system with beneficial cultures like those found in breastmilk. GOOD START Protect also has gentle 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS® to be easy to digest, plus DHA & ARA, nutrients naturally found in breastmilk to support Baby's brain and eye development.
• GOOD START® Gentle: Our first formula with both gentle 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS to be easy to digest and DHA & ARA for Baby's brain and eye development.
• GOOD START®: Our original milk-based formula, made with gentle 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS to be easy to digest.
• GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect: The only older-baby formula specially designed to help support Baby's healthy immune system with probiotics like those found in breastmilk. It's specially designed to meet the changing nutritional needs of older babies and young toddlers 9 to 24 months old—especially if there's a gap between what they eat and what they need. It contains more calcium than standard milk-based formulas and more iron, vitamin C, and vitamin E than whole cow's milk.
• GERBER® GRADUATES® Gentle: The only formula for older babies and young toddlers with both gentle 100% whey and DHA & ARA for brain and eye development. This formula is specially designed to meet the changing nutritional needs of older babies and young toddlers 9 to 24 months old—especially if there's a gap between what they eat and what they need. It contains more calcium than standard milk-based formulas and more iron, vitamin C, and vitamin E than whole cow's milk.¹
• GOOD START® Soy: The only soy-based formula that combines easy-to-digest SOY PROTEINS with DHA & ARA for Baby's brain and eye development. SOY PROTEINS are gentle soy proteins that have been broken down to be easy to digest in Baby's developing tummy.
• GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy: The only soy-based older-baby and young-toddler formula made with easy-to-digest SOY PROTEINS and DHA & ARA. This formula is specially designed to meet the changing nutritional needs of older babies and young toddlers 9 to 24 months old—especially if there's a gap between what they eat and what they need. It contains more calcium than standard milk-based formulas and more iron, vitamin C, and vitamin E than whole cow's milk.¹

Disclaimers/Notes: ¹Standard formulas provide adequate nutrition for the first year. GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect, GERBER® GRADUATES® Gentle and GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy provide extra nutrition insurance.

Our company’s roots stretch all the way back to 1867—to the town of Vevey, Switzerland—where Henri Nestlé created the world’s first commercial infant food.

Henri’s discovery marked the beginning of a long tradition of caring and innovation that Nestlé continues today. Nestlé has thousands of research and development professionals worldwide. Which means that every minute of the day, a Nestlé scientist is working to advance the science behind infant nutrition. Our commitment to ongoing research has led to innovations like GOOD START infant formulas.

All GOOD START milk-based formulas contain COMFORT PROTEINS®, made with our patented two-step process. It starts with 100% whey protein, the highest-quality protein available in infant formula. Then we break down this gentle protein into smaller pieces to be easy to digest in Baby’s developing tummy. We call them COMFORT PROTEINS, and only GOOD START milk-based formulas have them.

DHA & ARA are fatty acids, or lipids, found naturally in breastmilk. They’re important components of Baby’s healthy brain and eye tissues. During the third trimester of pregnancy, Mom passes DHA & ARA to Baby. After Baby is born, Mom can provide DHA & ARA to Baby by breastfeeding or giving her formula with added DHA & ARA.

The appearance and consistency are lighter, because of the 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS used in all GOOD START milk-based formulas. Whey is a naturally gentle protein that doesn’t form curds in Baby’s tummy. Our gentle 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS are broken down to be easy for Baby to digest. If you prepare and refrigerate a GOOD START milk-based formula ahead of time, it may separate into layers, like breastmilk does. Mix the layers by gently shaking the bottle.

Because our GOOD START milk-based formulas contain gentle 100% whey protein, you may notice that your baby's stools become soft and yellowish or greenish in color. This change is perfectly normal—in fact the texture is similar in appearance to the stools of breastfed babies.

Because GOOD START milk-based formulas contain COMFORT PROTEINS®, you may notice that your baby's stools may become soft and yellowish or greenish in color. This change is perfectly normal. In fact the stool consistency of babies who are fed GOOD START formulas is similar to that of breastfed babies.

If you and your baby’s doctor have decided to switch formulas, plan to change formulas gradually to minimize upsets to your baby's stomach and digestive system. That way your baby also will be less likely to notice any change in her formula's taste.

To ease the transition of weaning from breastmilk or introducing a new formula, we recommend a gradual change. View and print our transition charts to help your baby make a gentle transition to a GOOD START formula.

Most milk-based formulas, such as Similac® Advance® and Enfamil® LIPIL®, contain whole whey and casein proteins.¹ GOOD START milk-based formulas are made of gentle 100% whey protein that’s broken down into smaller pieces called COMFORT PROTEINS®. It may help to introduce the new formula gradually to minimize notice of any changes in taste and ease the switch on baby’s digestion.

To wean or switch your baby to a GOOD START formula, do so over a week's time. This will help minimize any changes in taste and ease the switch on your baby's digestive system. View and print our transition charts to help your baby make a gentle transition to a GOOD START formula.

Disclaimers/Notes: ¹Enfamil® LIPIL® and Similac® Advance® are registered trademarks owned by entities unrelated to Nestlé.

GOOD START milk-based formulas are not kosher, but soy-based GOOD START formulas are designated as kosher.

• To make GOOD START milk-based formulas, Nestlé uses a naturally occurring enzyme, trypsin, and heat treatment as processing aids to break down the milk protein into smaller pieces for our proprietary COMFORT PROTEINS.
• Although it is FDA-authorized and safe, trypsin doesn't meet kosher criteria.
• In accordance with FDA regulations, formula labels don't specifically list trypsin because it's not an ingredient in our infant formula. Instead, we list the result of the trypsin processing: "Enzymatically hydrolyzed reduced minerals whey protein concentrate (from cow's milk)."
• Our milk-based GOOD START Formulas include GOOD START® Protect, GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect, GOOD START® Gentle, and GERBER® GRADUATES® Gentle.
• Our GOOD START soy-based formulas— GOOD START® Soy and GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy—are made by a slightly different process. They don't use the enzyme trypsin and are designated "kosher pareve" (powder forms) or "kosher pareve ingredients that are manufactured on dairy equipment" (liquid forms). GOOD START Soy and GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy are milk-free, lactose-free formulas.

Yes. GOOD START® Soy and GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy contain SOY PROTEINS, gentle soy proteins that have been broken down into smaller pieces to be easy to digest. GOOD START Soy is the only standard formula and GERBER® GRADUATES® Soy is the only older-baby and toddler formula to offer both easy-to-digest SOY PROTEINS and DHA & ARA for brain and eye development.

The best-known infant formula marketing guidelines are the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, developed by the World Health Organization in 1981. These guidelines are known as the WHO Code. We abide by the Code in every country where it is law, and follow the aim of the Code where it is not, such as in the United States, where we affirm our belief that breastmilk is best within consumer communication.

We encourage moms to breastfeed as long as possible, with consideration for their life circumstances. If a mom chooses not to breastfeed, we believe that iron-fortified formula is the best alternative to breastmilk.

For information about how Nestlé complies with the WHO Code in developing countries and in other countries where the code is law, visit www.babymilk.Nestle.com

Visit our store locator for store information and to order products online. Or call 1-800-811-7500 to find GOOD START® formulas in a store near you.

We distribute our money-saving checks for discounts on GOOD START® formulas only through the START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center. It's FREE for expectant and new moms, and provides many benefits, including booklets tailored to key stages of your pregnancy and your baby's first months. Each mailing includes expert advice on pregnancy and/or infant care, health and nutrition tips, quick-and-easy recipe ideas, and valuable partner offers. If you haven't had a chance to enroll for the FREE START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center, sign up now.

GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is part of Nestlé's premium line of formulas. This iron-fortified milk-based formula helps meet the changing nutritional needs of older babies and toddlers 9 to 24 months old—especially when there's a gap between what they eat and what they need.¹

GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is the only older-baby formula with beneficial probiotic cultures which help support your toddler's healthy immune system as he explores the world around him. It provides essential nutrients your toddler needs, including:

• 32 times more iron (nearly 1/3 of Baby's daily needs) than whole cow's milk
• As much vitamin D and calcium as whole milk
• More of important nutrients like iron and vitamins C and E
• DHA & ARA, nutrients found in breastmilk that help support healthy brain and eye development and can be hard to get through a toddler's solid-food diet

• COMFORT PROTEINS specially designed for easy digestion
• BIFIDUS BL—beneficial probiotic cultures to help support a healthy immune system

Plus beneficial probiotic cultures to help support a healthy immune system

Think of it as baby-proofing your toddler's nutrition.

Disclaimers/Notes: ¹Standard formulas provide adequate nutrition for the first year. GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect provides extra nutrition insurance.

From a tiny infant to a teetering toddler, your baby speeds through his first year—sitting, crawling, standing, and maybe even taking his first wobbly steps. During these short 12 months, his birth weight triples, his brain size doubles, and his length increases by 50%.

All this growth and activity takes a lot of energy and good nutrition. Little bites of solid foods may not meet all of babies' growing nutritional and developmental needs, especially calcium and iron. In fact, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the U.S. affecting mainly older infants, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

That's why breastmilk or an iron-fortified formula should continue to be the primary source of nutrition throughout the first year of life. If you feel that your baby is a picky eater and wants extra nutritional insurance, consider GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect. This iron-fortified formula helps support optimal nutrition, plus provides more than twice as much calcium as standard milk-based formulas¹.

GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is a nutritious alternative to cow's milk, as it offers more iron, DHA & ARA, and vitamins C and E, while also providing the calcium that a growing toddler needs. Plus, it's the only older-baby formula with beneficial probiotic cultures to help support your toddler's immune system.

Disclaimers/Notes: ¹Standard formulas provide adequate nutrition for the first year. GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect provides extra nutrition insurance.

GOOD START Gentle and GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect can be used throughout the first year of life. If your baby is doing well on this formula, and if you feel confident he's getting all the calcium he requires, there's no need to switch.

However, older babies and toddlers who are transitioning to solid foods can be picky eaters. In addition, their attention spans are limited, so they may be easily distracted from eating. As your older baby begins eating more solid food and drinking less formula, you may be concerned about whether he is getting enough calcium. In this case, GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is an excellent choice.

GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is a nutritious alternative to cow's milk—especially if there's a gap between what they eat and what they need. It offers more of important nutrients like iron, and vitamins C & E than whole milk while also providing the calcium that a growing toddler needs.

It is absolutely safe to provide your baby with GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect starting at 4 months as long as your infant is also eating solid foods. GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect contains extra calcium to meet the additional needs of the infant for developing bones and teeth during the time when they may start to take in less formula and eat solid foods.¹ Nestlé increased the start age of GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect to 9 months when many babies are eating solids. If your baby is under 9 months of age and eating solid foods, using GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect provides optimal nutrition and there is no reason you should feel as though you need to change formulas. For those toddlers who remain picky eaters, we also added the 24 months on the label to let parents know that it is both safe and appropriate to continue to feed formula past one year of age to supplement the solid-food diet.

Disclaimers/Notes: ¹Standard formulas provide adequate nutrition for the first year. GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect provides extra nutrition insurance.

If you and your pediatrician have decided to switch formulas, plan to change formulas gradually to minimize upsets to your baby's stomach and digestive system. That way your baby also will be less likely to notice any change in his formula's taste.

To ease the transition of weaning from breastmilk or introducing a new formula, we recommend a gradual change. Follow the instructions in this transition chart to help your baby make a gentle transition to GOOD START formulas.

GOOD START Protect is the Nestlé trademark for GOOD START formula with BIFIDUS BL™—beneficial cultures like those found in breastmilk to help support Baby’s healthy immune system. Some beneficial cultures, like BIFIDUS BL, also called “probiotics” (meaning "for life"), can provide specific health benefits beyond basic nutrition. One of the many health benefits provided by certain probiotics is to help support Baby’s healthy immune system.

BIFIDUS BL™ is the Nestlé trademarked name for the unique type of beneficial cultures used in GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect. BIFIDUS BL is similar to the type of beneficial cultures found in breastmilk, and BIFIDUS BL can help support Baby's healthy immune system. BIFIDUS BL has been studied for nearly two decades, and clinical studies at leading scientific institutions around the world have demonstrated its benefit and safety in infants and young children. GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect with BIFIDUS BL provides what some experts might consider the most advanced feature of any infant formula on the market today.

Nothing is more important to you than protecting your little one. That's why Nestlé created GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect, a breakthrough older-baby formula that includes the added protective benefit of beneficial cultures, like those found in breastmilk, to help support Baby's healthy immune system. For more than 15 years, Nestlé has been a leader in bringing the benefit of beneficial cultures to infant nutrition in more than 30 countries.

No. Baby will not get too many beneficial cultures with this combination. Breastmilk contains factors that promote certain types of beneficial cultures. GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect contains beneficial cultures like those found in breastmilk.

Many experts believe that high levels of certain beneficial cultures called Bifidobacterium may be one of the reasons breastfed babies are generally so healthy. GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is designed to help bring the balance of cultures in the digestive tracts of formula-fed babies closer to that of breastfed babies.

Nestlé has worked with leading scientific research institutions around the world in the research and development of GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect:

• The beneficial cultures BIFIDUS BL have been studied for nearly two decades, and numerous clinical studies have demonstrated their benefit and safety in infants and young children.
• Nestlé first included beneficial cultures in infant formula in Europe more than 15 years ago.
• Beneficial cultures have been used in more than 30 countries around the world.

Yes. One of the most important things to remember when preparing GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is that using water warmer than 100º F (or 38º C) will compromise the benefits of the beneficial cultures BIFIDUS BL.

Your baby's health depends on carefully following the formula's preparation, use, and storage instructions. Ask your baby's doctor about infant formula-feeding, including how much to feed, and the need to boil water and preparation utensils before mixing formula.

Yes. It's safe to alternate between routine infant formulas. If you alternate or stop feeding your baby GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect, the immune-system support benefits won't end right away, but remember that all beneficial cultures within the digestive tract are temporary. Beneficial cultures need to be consumed on a regular basis to maintain a healthy balance of cultures and the related health benefits.

At times when mixing powder formula isn't convenient, try GOOD START Gentle ready-to-feed convenience packs, like our nursers. With our handy nurser bottles, there's no need to mix or measure formula. There's also no need for bottle preparation, because the bottles are designed for the nipple to attach directly to the bottle.

As always, be sure to talk with your baby's doctor before making any formula changes.

GERBER® GRADUATES®  Protect is the only older-baby formula that contains beneficial cultures BIFIDUS BL, like those found in breastmilk, to help support your baby's healthy immune system.

One way these cultures can help support Baby’s healthy immune system is by increasing levels of key antibodies.

Another way is to help support the natural protective barrier found in Baby’s digestive tract—where 70% of the body’s immune system is found1.

No other formula provides an immune-system support benefit in this way. Like other older-baby formula brands, GERBER® GRADUATES®  Protect contains both antioxidants and nucleotides—ingredients found naturally in breastmilk that also may help support Baby’s healthy immune system.

Disclaimers/Notes: ¹Approximately 70% of the cells of the immune system are found in Baby’s digestive tract.

No. GOOD START milk-based formulas are the only infant formulas that contain COMFORT PROTEINS®. COMFORT PROTEINS are made using our two-step process. We start with 100% whey protein, the highest-quality protein available in infant formula. Unlike the protein blends used in other routine formulas, this gentle protein won't form curds in babies' developing tummies. Then, we take the extra step to break down the whey protein into smaller pieces to be easy to digest. We call them COMFORT PROTEINS, and only GOOD START formulas have them.

No. Nutramigen LIPIL and Alimentum are extensively, rather than partially hydrolyzed like GOOD START® formulas. Extensively hydrolyzed specialty formulas are designated "hypoallergenic." They’re not routine formulas and are most often used to treat digestive and allergic problems for babies who are unable to tolerate routine formulas.

GOOD START milk-based formulas with COMFORT PROTEINS® are for general use for all healthy infants. The easy-to-digest gentle 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS® are partially hydrolyzed, or broken down, but not as extensively as in the specialty formulas such as Nutramigen and Alimentum.

Because COMFORT PROTEINS are made from gentle 100% whey protein and are partially broken down, GOOD START formulas may be a good choice instead of the whole-protein-based blends found in other routine formulas like Similac Advance or Enfamil LIPIL, if your Baby’s doctor recommends transitioning away from other routine formulas.

However, if your baby is receiving a specialty formula, it’s absolutely essential to her health that you consult with her doctor before introducing a different formula.

Disclaimers/Notes: ¹Nutramigen® LIPIL® and Similac® Alimentum® are registered trademarks owned by entities unrelated to Nestlé.

All healthy babies' digestive tracts contain different types of bacteria, also known as cultures. "Beneficial cultures" refers to those groups of "good" or "friendly" bacteria that help Baby remain healthy. Scientists have learned that the digestive tracts of breastfed babies appear to have much more of one type of beneficial culture, called Bifidobacterium. Many experts believe that these high levels may be one of the reasons breastfed babies are generally healthy

BIFIDUS BL, the beneficial cultures in GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect, are the type of cultures, called Bifidobacterium, found naturally in the digestive tracts of breastfed babies. GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is specially designed to help bring the balance of cultures in formula-fed babies closer to that of breastfed babies. No other formula provides beneficial cultures to help support your baby's healthy immune system.

Experts agree that breastmilk is the ideal source of nutrition and protection for your baby during the first year, and it's naturally gentle on Baby's developing tummy. While no infant formula ever can replicate breastmilk, the ingredients in GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect are specially designed to try to help achieve some of its benefits.

• GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect contains beneficial cultures like those naturally found in breastmilk to help support Baby's healthy immune system. This formula is specially designed to help bring the balance of cultures in the digestive tracts of formula-fed babies closer to that of breastfed babies. Higher levels of beneficial cultures can help support Baby's healthy immune system in many ways, including increasing levels of key antibodies. And a healthy immune system provides Baby with important natural defenses.
• GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect, like all GOOD START milk-based formulas, is made with our easy-to-digest 100% whey COMFORT PROTEINS®.
  • Gentle 100% whey protein formula empties from Baby's tummy at a rate similar to breastmilk and faster than other routine formulas. This may reduce the potential for spitting up.
  • Babies fed GOOD START milk-based formulas may tend to have soft stools similar to those of breastfed babies.
• GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect has DHA & ARA, fatty acids found naturally in breastmilk that help support Baby's brain and eye development

The digestive tract is where 70% of the body's immune system is found¹, and a healthy balance of cultures in the digestive tract is very important to developing and maintaining a healthy immune system. Scientists have learned that the digestive tracts of breastfed babies appear to have high levels of certain beneficial cultures, and many experts believe that these high levels may be one of the reasons breastfed babies are generally so healthy.

• GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is the only older-baby formula specially designed to help bring the balance of cultures in the digestive tracts of formula-fed babies closer to that of breastfed babies.
• One way these cultures can help support Baby's healthy immune system is by increasing levels of key antibodies.
• Another way is to help support the natural protective barrier found in Baby's digestive tract.

Yes. Like other infant formulas, GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect contains both antioxidants and nucleotides—ingredients found naturally in breastmilk that also may help support Baby's healthy immune system. GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is the first infant formula with the added protective benefit of beneficial cultures like those naturally found in breastmilk.

Antioxidants, nutrients found naturally in breastmilk, support a healthy immune system by reducing natural oxidative damage to cells throughout the body. Our bodies can’t make antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E, and selenium. That’s one reason why these nutrients should be supplied daily in Baby’s diet.

Nucleotides play key roles in many biological processes. They’re found naturally in breastmilk, especially colostrum, Mom’s first milk. They’re the basic building blocks of DNA and RNA, which are found in all the cells in our bodies—including our immune cells. Nucleotides are added to all GOOD START milk-based formulas to help support Baby’s growth and development.

In general, benefits from a healthy balance of beneficial cultures in the digestive tract can remain for several days after the beneficial cultures are no longer consumed. Beneficial cultures need to be consumed on a regular basis to maintain a healthy balance of cultures and the related health benefits.

It's natural for you to feel protective as you take Baby out into the world and she begins to socialize with other children and adults. But there is no way to guarantee complete protection from childhood illness. GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is specially designed to support Baby's healthy immune system—and a healthy immune system provides Baby with important natural defenses.

While breastmilk is the best source of nutrition and protection for Baby, if you decide to wean, supplement, or formula-feed exclusively, GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect provides complete nutrition, beneficial cultures like those found in breastmilk. These beneficial cultures can help support Baby's healthy immune system, even when she needs it most.

To learn more about how to help maintain your baby's health, check out 10 Ways to Keep Baby Healthy.

YES. Immunizations provide Baby with specific protection against particular childhood diseases. Detailed schedules for immunizations are recommended for all healthy babies, and many babies receive their first immunizations in their first days of life. Always take your baby for regular checkups, and make sure her immunizations stay on schedule.

Sí. Usted puede llamar este número (1-800-284-9488) o mandarnos un e-mail. (Yes, you can call our Spanish-speaking baby experts toll-free at 1-800-284-9488, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, or contact us via e-mail.)

Nestlé provides a one-time complimentary gift for moms of twins, triplets, and other multiples. We will send you a gift upon receipt of a copy of your babies' birth certificates or a letter from your doctor confirming that you are having or have given birth to multiples. Please call us toll-free for more information at 1-800-284-9488.

If you registered online at gerber.com to receive mailings from the START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center you can easily unsubscribe online by signing in and updating your profile information. You also can call our baby experts toll-free at 1-800-284-9488, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. (Please note that it can take from four to six weeks to process the information, so you may receive one more mailing. But after that you should not receive any more.)

Everyone's digestive tract, including Baby's, naturally contains many different types of cultures, or bacteria. Beneficial cultures refer to those groups of "good" or "friendly" bacteria that help keep our bodies healthy. Those beneficial cultures that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide specific health benefits beyond basic nutrition are commonly called "probiotics" (meaning "for life").

Scientific research has shown that beneficial cultures can help support Baby's healthy immune system in many ways, including increasing levels of key antibodies and helping to support the natural protective barrier in the digestive tract—where 70% of the body's immune system is found¹.

That's why GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is specially designed with beneficial cultures like those found in breastmilk to help support Baby's healthy immune system.

Disclaimers/Notes: ¹Approximately 70% of the cells of the immune system are found in Baby's digestive tract.

Beneficial cultures have been used for hundreds of years. Some beneficial cultures have been shown to provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, and these are commonly called "probiotics." Probiotics have grown in popularity in recent years as their health benefits for infants, children, and adults have become increasingly well-documented.

As a global leader in the science of infant nutrition, Nestlé has worked with top scientific research institutions around the world in the research and development of the beneficial cultures added to GERBER® GOOD START® Protect:

• Nestlé first included beneficial cultures in infant formula in Europe more than 15 years ago.
• Beneficial cultures have been used in Nestlé infant formula in more than 30 countries around the world.
• Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the benefit and safety of these beneficial probiotic cultures in infants and young children.

Although beneficial cultures aren't a new invention, GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is the only older-baby formula with beneficial cultures in the United States. GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect also provides what some experts might consider the most advanced feature of any infant formula on the market today.

The beneficial cultures added to GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect are B. lactis (or Bifidobacterium lactis). The Nestlé trademarked name for the B. lactis in GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is BIFIDUS BL. B. lactis is one of the types of beneficial cultures found naturally in the digestive tracts of breastfed babies, called Bifidobacterium. While all healthy infants have varying amounts and types of cultures in their digestive tracts, Bifidobacterium make up as much as 90% of the cultures in the digestive tracts of breastfed infants. Many experts believe that these higher levels provide immune-system support and may be one of the reasons why breastfed babies are generally so healthy.

The word "probiotic" means "for life." The World Health Organization recognizes probiotics as beneficial cultures of "good" or "friendly" bacteria that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide specific health benefits. Not all probiotics are the same. The benefit varies with the type of beneficial probiotic culture. The benefits go beyond basic nutrition and might include aiding digestion or supporting a healthy immune system. Beneficial probiotic cultures are added to some foods like the new yogurts and yogurt drinks specifically for their probiotic effect. Learn more about probiotics.

The probiotic added to GERBER® GRADUATES® Protect is called BIFIDUS BL. The beneficial probiotic cultures BIFIDUS BL are similar to those beneficial cultures found in breastmilk. Scientific research has shown that these beneficial cultures can help support Baby's healthy immune system in many ways, including by increasing levels of key antibodies and helping to support the natural protective barrier in the digestive tract—where 70% of the body's immune system is found.¹

Disclaimers/Notes: ¹Approximately 70% of the cells of the immune system are found in Baby's digestive tract.