Abbott Launches NutriPals(TM) Fruit Bars With One Serving of Real Fruit in Every Bar

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- For the many parents who have trouble getting their kids to eat enough fruit each day, Abbott has launched PediaSure(R) NutriPals(TM) Fruit Bars, the only kids' snack bar made with one serving of real fruit in every bar.(1)

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070912/AQW051)

A recent study shows only 39 percent of moms believe their children are getting enough fruit in their diets. Additionally, moms are concerned that their children may not consume all the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need each day. As a result, moms increasingly are seeking healthier snack options to help fill the gaps.(2)

NutriPals Fruit Bars are low-fat, healthy snacks with a delicious taste kids love, and they contain no high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, trans fat or preservatives. Each 150-calorie bar is a good source of protein, fiber and more than 20 vitamins and minerals. Additionally, a NutriPals Fruit Bar has nine times more fruit than a leading cereal bar.(3)

"For most parents, it's a challenge to get your kids to eat the bananas or apples you pack in their lunch boxes," said Jeff Boutelle, division vice president and general manager of pediatric products, Abbott Nutrition. "New NutriPals Fruit Bars are a convenient way to get more real fruit into their diets -- and they taste great, so your kids won't mind."

PediaSure NutriPals Fruit Bars are now available in the baby/toddler aisle at most major retailers, alongside other NutriPals products. NutriPals Fruit Bars come in three delicious flavors -- Strawberry, Mixed Berry and Blueberry -- and the suggested retail price is $5.49 for a box of six bars.

About PediaSure NutriPals

PediaSure NutriPals are nutritious snacks with a taste kids love. In addition to new Fruit Bars, NutriPals Balanced Nutrition Bars are available in Peanut Butter Chocolate, S'mores, Peanut Butter & Jelly and Strawberry Yogurt. NutriPals Balanced Nutrition Drinks are available in Strawberry, Vanilla and Chocolate.

The latest information about PediaSure NutriPals, including high-resolution images, is available for news media professionals at http://www.e-MediaRoom.com/NutriPals.

About Abbott Nutrition

Abbott Nutrition develops and markets a wide range of science-based infant formulas, medical nutritionals, nutrition and energy bars, and related products to support the growth, health and wellness of people of all ages. Abbott Nutrition's internationally recognized brands include the Similac(R) brand of infant formulas; the Gain(R) brand of growing-up milks for older babies and toddlers; the PediaSure(R) brand of nutritionals and snacks for children; and the Ensure(R) brand of adult nutritionals.

Additionally, Abbott Nutrition is a leader in medical foods clinically shown to address the distinct dietary needs of people with serious health conditions or special nutrient requirements, such as the Glucerna(R) brand of nutrition shakes and bars for people with diabetes. Abbott Nutrition also offers specialized nutrition products to meet the unique needs of competitive athletes.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs 65,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at http://www.abbott.com.

1) For kids ages 2 to 7. 2) Based on PediaSure NutriPals December 2006 BASES I study. 3) As compared to Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Strawberry Cereal Bars. Kellogg's and Nutri-Grain are trademarks of a company other than Abbott Laboratories.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070912/AQW051
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CONTACT: Keri Butler of Abbott, +1-614-624-7485

Web site: http://www.abbott.com/