Recently, Jarrow Formulas, a leading California-based manufacturer and supplier of dietary supplements, unveiled Yum-Yum GOS Syrup, a prebiotic product for children. FI discussed the new launch with Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, a consultant for Jarrow Formulas and dean of academics at Huntington College of Health Sciences.

Q: Why did Jarrow Formulas choose now to launch Yum-Yum GOS Syrup?It's a tough time to launch new products!

JF: Children have notoriously bad diets. All you need to do is look at the children's menu at almost any restaurant to see the listing of 'beige' foods (e.g., chicken fingers, mac and cheese, hot dogs, etc.) to see that kids don't generally eat healthy, balanced meals. Such a diet has health ramifications, not the least of which is an imbalance in intestinal flora. Tummy aches and gastrointestinal problems are not uncommon. To help compensate, Jarrow made the decision to introduce Yum-Yum GOS Syrup to selectively stimulate the growth of health-promoting probiotic organisms.

Q: How does Yum-Yum GOS Syrup promote immunity?

JF: As a prebiotic, the supplement helps preferentially or selectively feed friendly bacteria, which in turn have immune-enhancing properties. The syrup provides galactooligosaccharides (GOS) derived from galactose found naturally in milk. Among the positive studies on the benefits of GOS, a study published in Nutrition Research Review showed that GOS works in concert with the bifidobacteria found in breast milk to effectively establish beneficial intestinal bacteria in newborns.

Q: Is Jarrow seeing any increased interest among parents for pre- and probiotics for their children?

JF: Pre- and probiotics have gained recognition for their health-promoting properties, and have come into their own as a valuable category of dietary supplements. Consequently, parents aware of these benefits have expressed more interest in including such products in their kids' dietary supplement program. This has bolstered ongoing research showing probiotic benefits for children.

Q: Among the many positive studies showing the benefits of pre- and probiotic supplementation on children's health, are they any that stand out as particularly significant?

JF: This year, Pediatrics conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 326 children (3 - 5 years of age). Twice daily for six months, they received L. acidophilus, L. acidophilus in combination with B. lactis, or a placebo. The results were as follows:

Q: How many pre- and probiotic products or supplements does Jarrow carry for children?

JF: We carry 18 pre- and probiotic products, three of which were developed specifically for children. In addition to Yum-Yum GOS Syrup, we offer Yum-Yum Dophilus, with four strains of beneficial bacteria in a chewable tablet. Baby's Jarro-Dophilus, an infant probiotic powder, contains 3 billion probiotic organisms in six clinically proven strains.

Want to learn more? Click here for FI's article on the children's probiotic market.