Parents learned about special prebiotics called HMOs and the role of nutrition in supporting both physical and cognitive development
Abbott hosted its Fast Learners Field Day to equip parents with practical insights on nutrition, child development and the importance of building strong foundations for learning. The event brought together families for interactive activities, learning experiences and an expert-led forum.
The education-based forum highlighted how the right nutritional support helps children stay active and engaged, enabling them to make the most out of everyday learning opportunities during their formative years. Recognizing that every child’s developmental journey is unique, experts emphasized that supporting a child’s ability to learn goes beyond cognitive development alone. Gut health also plays a vital role through the important connection between the gut and brain.
“A healthy tummy does more than support digestion,” said Dr. Gamaliel Tayao, head of medical affairs for Abbott’s nutrition business in the Philippines. “It also sends positive signals to the brain that can support mood, behavior, immunity and even learning. This is why Abbott pioneered research on special prebiotics called Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) in milk formulas to help support a healthy gut, strengthen immunity and nurture the gut-brain connection.”
Abbott’s research has found children who consumed formula with five HMOs experienced 40% fewer healthcare visits and an average of 3.4 fewer sick days than children who did not receive HMO-enriched formula. These children also showed stronger language and social development, with 38% more imitating words as they began to speak and 24% more understanding everyday phrases compared with those who did not receive five-HMO formula. These differences reflect early communication behaviors considered important foundations for learning.
Supporting every child’s unique learning journey
At the Fast Learners Field Day, parents and children explored the Fast Learner Trails, a series of interactive activity stations designed to showcase the building blocks that help children learn, grow and thrive.
At the first station, children tackled creative challenges that encouraged problem-solving, imagination and confidence, reinforcing the importance of giving young minds opportunities to explore, discover and learn through play. This activity was powered by Similac GainSchool, which highlighted how nutrition with added gangliosides supports faster brain connections, helping children stay ready to learn every day.
The second station demonstrated how a healthy tummy helps children stay comfortable, engaged and focused, allowing them to make the most of everyday learning experiences. Powered by Similac TummiCare HW, this station introduced families to the formula’s unique Triple Comfort Blend that includes partially hydrolyzed whey protein, which helps reduce allergy risk and relieves tummy troubles.
At the third station, parents learned that a child’s nutritional needs can also be influenced by how their journey begins. Children born via C-section may have fewer beneficial gut bacteria due to missed exposure to microbes typically acquired during normal delivery. This can affect early immune development and may call for more targeted nutritional support.
For moms of C-section-born children, Similac Essencia+ is enriched with immunity-supporting nutrients, including Abbott’s highest levels of five HMOs, BB-12 probiotics and nucleotides that help promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut, supporting immune health during a critical stage of development.
“Understanding how nutrition supports gut health and immunity can help parents give their children the foundation they need to participate fully in the experiences that shape their cognitive development,” said Dr. Tayao. “Learning happens every day, whether children are solving problems, exploring their surroundings or interacting with others. To make the most of these opportunities, children need strong nutritional support to help nurture both their physical and cognitive development.”
Backed by science, trusted by families
Parents play a vital role in nurturing their children’s cognitive development by encouraging curiosity, supporting their interests and creating opportunities for exploration and discovery. Supported by proper nutrition, these everyday experiences help children build the confidence and resilience to become fast learners.
Backed by more than 100 years of pediatric nutrition expertise and decades of HMO research, Abbott continues to support parents with science-based nutritional solutions through its range of Similac products, which are formulated to address children’s unique needs at every stage of development.
To learn more about how nutrition can help support your child’s journey to becoming a confident fast learner, visit similac.com.ph.