The innovative Biofactors System of infant nutrition was launched for the first time in Saudi Arabia at a special event hosted by Pfizer Nutrition in Riyadh and attended by Saudi Arabia's leading medical and nutrition specialists. Entitled “Integrated Approach to Infant Nutrition”, a presentation by professor Eric Lien of the University of Illinois, Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, introduced the innovative Biofactors System. Saudi Arabia is no exception where human milk has been widely recognized and encouraged because of the unrivaled health benefits it offers infants and young children. Breastfeeding in Saudi Arabia has formed a part of the nation's culture and traditions for ages and will continue to do so for years to come. Speaking at a special event hosted by Pfizer Nutrition in Riyadh and attended by Saudi Arabia's leading medical and nutrition specialists, Lien highlighted that human milk is the sole source of nutrition for the first 6 months of a child's life, while infant formula is best or only alternative for babies whose mothers cannot or choose not to breastfeed. According to scientific studies there are major composition differences between human milk and infant formula. Human milk comprises 300 components but infant formula has approximately 75 individual components. Vitamins and mineral profiles are largely matched in both human milk and infant formula, carbohydrate source is similar (lactose) and fatty acid profiles are similar. “Individual nutrients carry their own set of benefits however a good combination of nutrients can produce additional synergistic benefits for a child's growth and development and this is what we call the Biofactors System,” added Lien.
