THE BRIEF
A leading infant formula brand aimed to evaluate the impact of probiotics on infant health and development. The goal was to understand how probiotics could benefit infants’ digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being. By doing so, the brand sought to provide a superior product that supports optimal growth and health for infants.
OUR APPROACH
To address the client’s objectives, we focused exclusively on In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with Healthcare Professionals (HCPs):
We conducted detailed interviews with pediatricians, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals who specialize in infant nutrition. These interviews aimed to gather insights on:
- Current knowledge and perceptions of probiotics in infant formula.
- Recommendations for probiotic supplementation in infants.
- Observations on the health outcomes of infants consuming probiotic-supplemented formula.
- Barriers and challenges in recommending probiotic formulas to parents.
THE OUTPUT
The findings from our research provided valuable insights for the client:
Healthcare Professional Insights:
- Knowledge and Perceptions: Most HCPs were aware of the potential benefits of probiotics in promoting digestive health and boosting the immune system in infants. However, some expressed concerns about the lack of standardized guidelines for probiotic supplementation.
- Recommendations: HCPs generally recommended probiotic-supplemented formula for infants, especially those with a history of digestive issues or allergies. They emphasized the importance of choosing formulas with clinically proven probiotic strains.
- Health Outcomes: HCPs reported positive health outcomes in infants consuming probiotic-supplemented formula, including reduced instances of colic, diarrhea, and respiratory infections.
- Barriers: Key barriers identified included the need for more education on probiotics, concerns about potential side effects, and the higher cost of probiotic formulas compared to standard formulas.
Conclusion: r research enabled the client to gain a clear understanding of the benefits and challenges of incorporating probiotics into infant formula. By addressing the identified barriers and leveraging the insights from healthcare professionals, the brand can develop a product that supports optimal infant health and development. This case study underscores the importance of continuous research and collaboration with healthcare professionals to create effective and safe infant nutrition solutions.