Lotte Food Pasteur Introduces Probiotic-Enhanced Formula for Increasing Cesarean Deliveries

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] Lotte Food Pasteur announced on the 10th that it will launch ‘Withmom 100 Days C-section.’ It is a formula milk fortified with Bifidobacterium longum, a rich live probiotic beneficial for the healthy gut of naturally delivered newborns.

This probiotic strain was developed using technology from the Rural Development Administration and holds domestic patents as well as numerous academic papers. In addition, it contains a complex of globally renowned probiotics such as BB-12® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, helping to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria in infants and create a healthy intestinal environment.

The prebiotics that serve as food for the probiotics have been increased from 414 mg of two types (galactooligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides) used in existing Withmom products to 800 mg of three types by adding inulin dietary fiber. Also, to support infants’ comfortable digestion, restful sleep, and smooth bowel movements, OPO (INFAT), a fat structure similar to breast milk, was applied. The lauric acid ratio was also increased to aid the growth of Bifidus longum probiotics.

ESP probiotic cell metabolites, patented for rotavirus inhibition, were also applied. Rotavirus is known to be the main cause of over 50% of severe diarrhea cases, and reports indicate that more than 95% of children under five years old have experienced viral gastroenteritis at least once.

Furthermore, the ingredients are strictly managed from the start, using Grade A raw milk (containing 17.56%) from eco-friendly antibiotic-free certified farms. Patented plant-based DHA is used, and the ratio of DHA and arachidonic acid, components of brain and eye development, is set at 1:2 according to international organizations (FAO, WHO) recommendations. The MSD process is also used during formula manufacturing to minimize nutrient heat denaturation.

Meanwhile, the rate of babies born via cesarean section continues to rise. According to data from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service and Statistics Korea, in 2018, the cesarean section rate among first-time mothers was 51.8%, surpassing natural delivery for the first time. The overall cesarean section rate, including both first-time and multiparous mothers, was 47.3%.

During natural delivery, newborns pass through the birth canal and inherit beneficial vaginal bacteria from their mothers, but babies born via cesarean section do not undergo this process, resulting in differences in gut microbiota composition compared to naturally delivered infants. Gut microbiota significantly affects the body’s immune system regulation and overall health, and it is especially important for beneficial bacteria to colonize the sterile gut of newborns.

A Pasteur representative said, “We focused on the gut microbiota composition of newborns according to the mode of delivery,” adding, “We hope that many babies and mothers will benefit from Withmom 100 Days C-section, which inherits the reputation of Withmom, famous for its live probiotic formula.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.