Abbott Launches PediaSure SideKicks® Clear for Picky Eaters

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- All children need proper nutrients, but a child's picky eating habits can make getting the right nutrition challenging for parents and kids alike. Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is introducing a new option for picky eaters' routine with PediaSure SideKicks Clear(1), a refreshing clear nutritional beverage that helps balance out the diet of those picky eaters who are growing fine, but still may be missing nutrients.  Moms can also have peace of mind knowing that their picky eaters are receiving a source of protein and 19 vitamins and minerals.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120516/CG08113)

In addition to new kid-approved flavors – Berry(2) and Tropical Fruit(3) – one 6.8 fl oz serving of PediaSure SideKicks Clear provides as much protein as one large egg, as much vitamin D as a 6 ounce yogurt cup (vitamin D added)(4), and as much vitamin A as a half cup of zucchini(5).  With 120 calories, 19 essential vitamins and minerals, including 3 essential antioxidants(6) in a fat free formulation; it's a great nutritious option for kids who don't drink milk or require a gluten-free diet(7).

While picky eating is considered a normal developmental stage for children, it can frustrate even the most patient parent.  In fact, two-thirds of moms surveyed reported having a picky eater at home, and nine out of ten of these moms say they are unsuccessful at getting their picky eater to eat healthy and nutritious foods every day(8).  Parents of picky eaters can feel good about what their child is drinking knowing that PediaSure SideKicks Clear is available to help fill in the nutritional gaps while he or she continues to teach meal time lessons for a lifetime of good nutrition.

At school or on-the-go, the new kid-friendly packaging makes it easy for moms to fit this nutritional drink into a lunch bag and helps fit good nutrition into their child's routine.  With no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, the clear formulation means "no staining" if there are any spills.

Commentary on Picky Eating:

The PediaSure Mom Brigade, a team of real mom health experts, offers new tips and expert advice for mom while she teaches her child good eating habits:

From PediaSure Mom Brigade member Rallie McAllister, MD, MPH, family physician, nutrition specialist, mother

"With hectic schedules, it's not always easy for parents to keep themselves to a nutritious diet let alone their families, especially for those with a picky eater at home. But it's important to lead by example and instill good eating habits in children by making sure they see us eating and enjoying whole fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods. And while they are learning those good habits, new PediaSure SideKicks Clear provides a way to make sure that picky eater's daily nutritional well-being is on track."

From PediaSure Mom Brigade member Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, RD, member of the American Dietetic Association, mother

"For moms with picky eaters, teaching healthy habits for life is the ultimate goal. It's important to provide some freedom for children to eat their own way, rather than forcing them to eat. Variety is the key to good nutrition and offering a picky eater many different options is a sure way to eventually find something they will enjoy."

From Tama Bloch, RD, research scientist, Abbott

"As a dietitian and a mom, I know how emotionally difficult mealtime can be for parents of a picky eater and how they want nothing more than for their child to eat well so they can grow properly. And when we learned parents were looking for alternative nutrition options to provide their picky eater, we knew it was important to develop a product like PediaSure SideKicks Clear."

From Katherine Doyle, vice president, Pediatric Nutrition, Abbott

"At Abbott, we continually look for new ways to help moms in their pursuit to provide their children with balanced nutrition every day. That's why in addition to PediaSure® products, we provide resources, such as tips and nutrition information, to ensure that moms have the tools they need to teach lifelong healthy eating habits."

Where to Buy PediaSure SideKicks Clear

PediaSure SideKicks Clear is available nationwide in 8-packs of 6.8-fluid-ounce tetra packages in the Baby/Toddler aisle at most grocery stores, drug stores and mass-merchandisers, and is available in 4-packs at select stores. PediaSure products can also be ordered online at www.abbottstore.com.

Related Links

For more information, please visit the following web sites:

• PediaSure: www.PediaSure.com
• Abbott Nutrition: www.abbottnutrition.com
• Abbott: www.abbott.com
• Rallie McAllister, MD, MPH: www.mommymdguides.com
• Sylvia Melendez-Klinger: www.hispanicfoodcommunications.com

About Abbott Nutrition

For more than 85 years, Abbott Nutrition has been developing and marketing science-based pediatric and adult nutritional products to support the growth, health and well-being of people all over the world. Globally recognized brands include Similac®, PediaSure®, Gain®, Ensure® and Glucerna®.

Abbott Nutrition also offers EAS® specialized products to meet the unique nutritional needs of athletes, as well as ZonePerfect® all-natural nutrition bars for busy, active lifestyles.

More information about Abbott Nutrition's products is available on the Web at www.AbbottNutrition.com.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs approximately 91,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

(1) For children under three years of age, no more than 1 serving per day is recommended.

(2) Natural berry flavor with other natural flavors

(3) Natural fruit flavor with other natural flavor

(4) 40 IU vitamin D/serving

(5) 1000 IU vitamin A/serving

(6) Vitamins C & E and Selenium

(7) Not for milk allergies – contains milk protein

(8) Wakefield Research, on behalf of Abbott Nutrition, among 1,001 mothers in the US with children ages 2-10

SOURCE Abbott