Early Life Nutrition: laying the foundation for lifelong health
In early life, nutrition plays a pivotal role in healthy growth and cognitive development . Human milk is the gold standard, and Danone has conducted over 50 years of research into its composition and functional properties. Our research helps us design infant formulas that mimic some of the key components of breast milk, including oligosaccharides and bioactive compounds.
We also offer specialized nutritional solutions for infants and toddlers with specific dietary needs. For instance, formulas designed for the dietary management of cow’s milk allergy or faltering growth are developed to support children who cannot be breastfed or who have complex feeding needs. These products are used under medical supervision and offer essential nutrients in an age-appropriate format.
From birth to toddlerhood, our early life nutrition solutions aim to deliver safe, effective, and digestible nutrition, building the foundation for health, immunity, and well-being across the lifespan.
Medical Nutrition: supporting recovery and resilience for better health outcomes
Disease-related malnutrition is common yet often underdiagnosed. It affects 1 in 3 patients in care homes, 1 in 4 hospital patients, and 1 in 3 cancer patients. Through medical nutrition, Danone addresses this public health issue by offering targeted solutions for people with complex health conditions such as stroke, cancer, frailty, or neurological disorders.
Our medical nutrition products include oral nutritional supplements, tube feeding formulas, and specialized foods that are tailored to individual needs. These are designed to help patients meet their daily nutritional requirements when regular food intake is insufficient or impossible. Our portfolio includes products enriched in energy, high-quality protein, fiber, and biotics to support gastrointestinal tolerance and recovery.
We also strive to improve patient compliance and experience by putting significant effort into taste and ease of use in daily care routines. Clinical research is central to our innovation process, providing robust evidence for efficacy, safety, and impact on quality of life.
Leveraging science and innovation to tailor nutrition
Our approach to specialized nutrition is deeply rooted in research. We leverage advances in microbiome science, biotics, and protein innovation to develop tailored solutions for diverse health needs. We study how combinations of nutrients, including prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, can improve gut health , support the immune system, and enhance nutrient absorption.
Our teams also explore the role of plant-based protein sources in medical nutrition, with new solutions being developed for tube-fed patients and specialized formulas. These innovations are designed to meet the highest standards of safety , digestibility, and clinical effectiveness.
We collaborate with healthcare professionals and academic institutions to ensure our products are evidence-based, and our efforts are informed by both clinical studies and real-world data. This dual approach strengthens the relevance and reliability of our specialized nutrition solutions.
A lifelong commitment to vulnerable populations
What makes Danone’s approach to specialized nutrition unique is our unwavering commitment to the people who need it most. From premature infants to patients facing life-altering conditions, we work to ensure that nutrition becomes a positive force in their health journey. We also engage in initiatives that promote access and awareness, collaborating with payers and public health stakeholders to support reimbursement and broader access to our products.
