Dannon(R) Danimals(R) Adds Proven Benefits of Probiotics

Natural LGG(TM) Probiotic Helps Promote Intestinal Function, Immune

Function and Maintenance of Oral Health

    WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- To offer families more
 nutritious snacking choices and help kids stay healthy, the power of the
 world's most researched probiotic culture in children, Lactobacillus GG
 (LGG(TM)), is now part of the Danimals(R) line of drinks specifically made
 for kids.
     LGG(TM) is a natural probiotic culture that has been researched
 extensively and consumed safely since its identification in 1985. LGG has
 just been added to Danimals Drinks, including Danimals XL(TM), and will be
 added to Danimals Cups in April.
     Probiotics, which literally means "for life," have been used for
 centuries as natural components in health-promoting foods like yogurt.
 Probiotics are live cultures that, when consumed in sufficient quantities,
 provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. The benefits are due, in
 large part, to the effects of these so-called "friendly" bacteria on the
 intestine.
     The Probiotic Benefits of LGG(TM)
     LGG helps kids stay healthy as part of a balanced diet and healthy
 lifestyle. It is the most extensively researched culture in children with
 proven probiotic benefits and Danimals is the only kids low-fat yogurt and
 dairy drink to include LGG.
     "More than 150 clinical trials, including more than 50 studies
 specifically performed in children, have evaluated the benefits of LGG on a
 variety of parameters, including how this probiotic culture helps maintain
 the normal function of the body," says Miguel Freitas, PhD, Scientific
 Affairs Manager for The Dannon Company.
     Clinically proven to survive passage through the digestive tract, LGG
 has been shown to positively influence the balance of "friendly" bacteria
 in the digestive tract. LGG's scientifically proven benefits in children
 include positive effects on: (1,2,3,4)
     Gastrointestinal function. Clinical studies show that LGG helps
 maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria within the intestines.
     Immune function. Clinical studies also suggest that LGG can help to
 support the immune system.
     Maintenance of Oral Health. LGG may help keep oral microflora healthy
 by maintaining a healthy balance of the good bacteria in the mouth*.
     Only the Good Stuff
     Dannon spoke to thousands of parents to determine what ingredients they
 consider to be nutritious and beneficial and what ingredients they steer
 away from when considering what to feed their kids. As a result, Danimals
 Drinks no longer contain artificial colors, artificial flavors or high
 fructose corn syrup and in April the same will be true for Danimals
 Cups(5). These products provide twice the calcium than leading kids'
 yogurts and are a good source of the protein, Vitamin D, and Riboflavin
 parents want, with 100 percent of the great taste and smooth, creamy
 texture kids love. In addition, Danimals Cups(5) now contain 25% less
 sugar.
     "Getting kids to eat right can be a challenge, and concerns about diet,
 obesity, and diabetes in young people are at an all-time high," said
 Michael Neuwirth, Dannon's Senior Director of Public Relations. "Proper
 nutrition is readily available at snack time as well as at family meals. By
 making Danimals better than ever, we're offering a delicious choice that
 parents and kids can feel good about and enjoy."
     About Danimals
     Danimals four-ounce lowfat yogurt cups are available in four exciting
 flavors: Strawberry Explosion(R), Totally Vanilla(R), Strikin' Strawberry-
 Kiwi(R) and Swingin' Strawberry-Banana(TM). Danimals Drinkable is available
 in 3.1-ounce servings of Rockin' Raspberry(R), Strawberry Explosion(R),
 Strikin' Strawberry-Kiwi(R), Swingin' Strawberry-Banana(TM), Bouncin'
 Banana(TM) and Totally Vanilla(R) and just introduced new Xtreme(TM)
 flavors -- Banana Guava Cliffhanger, Berry Avalanche, Cherry Dragonfruit
 Rush and Smashin' Passionfruit.
     Danimals XL(TM) satisfies the snacking appetites of bigger kids with
 its 5.75-ounce servings of Orange Strawberry Banana Blowout(TM), Blazin'
 Berry(TM), Cherry Berry Blast(TM), and Strawberry Explosion(R).
     More information about Dannon Danimals, including complete nutrition
 information for each variety and flavor, is available at www.danimals.com.
     About The Dannon Company, Inc.
     The Dannon Company is America's founding national yogurt company and
 continually leverages its expertise to develop and market innovative
 cultured fresh dairy products in the United States. Headquartered in White
 Plains, NY, Dannon has plants in Minster, OH, Fort Worth, TX, and West
 Jordan, UT. The company produces and sells approximately 100 different
 types of flavors, styles and sizes of cultured fresh dairy products. Dannon
 is owned by Groupe Danone, one of the world's leading producers of packaged
 foods and beverages, and Dannon is the top-selling brand of yogurt products
 worldwide, sold under the names Dannon and Danone.
     With a strong commitment to high-quality, wholesome, nutritious and
 innovative products, The Dannon Company is committed to encouraging healthy
 eating and living and strives to innovate with one goal in mind: to create
 foods for families and individuals with their health and enjoyment in mind.
 For more information, please visit www.dannon.com.
     1. Vendt N, Grunberg H, Tuure T et al (2006). Growth during the first 6
        months of life in infants using formula enriched with Lactobacillus
        rhamnosus GG:  double-blind, randomized trial. J Hum Nutr Dietet 19:51-
        8.
 
     2. Hatakka et al (2001). Effect of long term consumption of probiotic
        milk on infections in children attending day care centres:  double
        blind, randomized trial. British Medical Journal 322:1327-1329.
 
     3. Nase et al (2001). Effect of long-term consumption of a probiotic
        bacterium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, in milk on dental caries and
        caries risk in children. Caries Res 35 (6) 412-420.
 
     4. Goldin BR and Gorbach SL (1984). Alterations of the intestinal
        microflora by diet, oral antibiotics and Lactobacillus: decreased
        production of free amines from aromatic nitro compounds, azo dyes and
        glucoronides. J Natl Cancer Inst 73:689-695.
 
     5. Cups, excluding Danimals Sprinkl'ins.
 
     * When used in addition to daily brushing, flossing and regular
       professional cleaning.
 
     Media Contact:
     Melanie Muccio/Edelman
     (212) 704-8209
     melanie.muccio@edelman.com
 
 

SOURCE The Dannon Company, Inc.