Danisco reduces flu symptoms with a patented HOWARU™ probiotic formulation March 16th, 2007: Danisco introduces HOWARU™ Protect, a new patented formulation of probiotic cultures to reduce cold-associated symptoms. A recent clinical study on children conducted by Professor Shuguang Li from the medical College of Tongji in Shangai, demonstrated that HOWARU™ Protect contributes to reduce significantly the symptoms of fever, cough and runny nose.

The double-blinded, placebo controlled study on respiratory tract infections followed the guidelines of the World Health Organization and involved 248 children from day care centres near Shanghai (China). During 26 weeks from November to May, the study monitored the impact of a recommended probiotic daily dose on the number of antibiotic prescriptions and the symptoms of respiratory infections. The study was completed over the winter months when children are particular vulnerable to respiratory infections.

A global average of 16% of children under five suffered from acute respiratory infections according to a survey by UNICEF*. HOWARU™ Protect represents an efficient preventive solution to reduce the level of symptoms from flu-like infections among this particularly fragile population.

"We are very proud of this new demonstration of the HOWARU™ probiotics benefits. It reinforces the promising future of probiotics for human health" says Fabienne Saadane-Oaks, President of Danisco, Cultures Division "We have started to explore the applications of HOWARU™ Protect for the specific needs of the Food, Dietary supplements and Pharmaceutical industries.”

HOWARU™ Protect complements the existing range comprising HOWARU™ Restore, HOWARU™ Dophilus, HOWARU™ Rhamnosus, and HOWARU™ Bifido.

HOWARU™ is the registered trademark of Danisco premium probiotic products. More information on www.howaru.com

* Worldwide survey conducted from 1998 to 2004 Source: State of the World’s Children 2006 - UNICEF