Leading pediatricians arrive in Dubai for Nestlé Nutrition Institute Middle East Symposium

New research findings and clinical advances in infant nutrition will be under the spotlight as pediatricians from around the Middle East gather in Dubai for Nestlé Nutrition Institute - Middle East Symposium, which kicks off today at the Jumeirah Emirates Tower hotel. 

More than 150 distinguished pediatricians and nutrition experts are attending the symposium, taking place from February 16-17, 2012. 

“The symposium provides an opportunity for pediatricians to present and discuss latest research findings on infant nutrition, and assess how new developments and approaches are impacting pediatric practices,” said Dr. Hanan Anwar, Medical Director, Nestlé Nutrition - Middle East & North East African region. 

A key highlight of the two-day symposium will be a presentation by renowned Italian pediatrician Dr. Flavia Indrio, who will discuss novel therapeutical strategies for infantile colic, in particular the positive effects of L reuteri - a beneficial bacteria known for its probiotic properties - on colicky infants. 

“Colic affects about one-third of infants, leading to incessant crying and causing considerable stress for parents. Recent studies have shown that L reuteri can be an effective and safe intervention for colicky infants; the probiotic has been proven to dramatically reduce the crying time,” said Dr. Indrio, a pediatric gastroenterologist in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Bari, Italy.

The symposium will also discuss critical topics such as childhood obesity, childhood infection and allergy, and the importance of sustainable clinical research in driving new innovations. 

“Sustainable clinical research on breast milk as gold standard for infant nutrition will continue to be our key driver for product innovation,” said Prof. Ferdinand Haschke, Chairman of Nestlé Nutrition Institute – Switzerland, Vevey, and one of the speakers at the symposium. 

Nestlé Nutrition Institute partners with health professionals around the globe by offering nutrition information, education, and networking. The Institute’s website provides access to a vast medical and scientific library, educational materials and e-learning tools, scholarships and online conferences, and has almost 100,000 registered members who can access increasingly customized information through chat rooms, newsletters and scientific online forums.