Nutritional Growth Solutions (NGS) has introduced to the Asia-Pacific market its Healthy Height protein shake, which it says is clinically shown to improve children’s height.
The NGS China launch occurred through collaboration with a local state-owned entity, distributing primarily in “mother and baby” stores. The company is now gearing up for expansion into South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the rest of the region.
Healthy Height was developed and tested by paediatricians for children predominantly in the 3 to 9-years age group, including those children who lack nutrition due to health issues that may impair eating. It also helps support nutrition in picky eaters.
It contains 12 g whey protein per serving, with no fillers, corn syrup, or other additives. It’s gluten-free, soy-free, contains no GMO’s and includes 350 mg of the amino acid arginine per serving. The powder can be mixed into ice cream or pancake batters as well as in shakes or smoothies.
Two medical professionals in pediatric endocrinology, gastroenterology, and nutrition were behind the research and development of the Healthy Height formulation: Professor Moshe Phillip, Director of the Institute for Endocrinology at the Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, and Professor Raanan Shamir, Director of the Institute of Gastroenterology, Nutrition, and Liver Diseases at Schneider. Professor Shamir also served as the President of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).
“There is no doubt that genetics plays the most significant role in an individual’s height, with studies showing this accounts for up to 80% of final height,” said Fendell. But what about the remaining percentage? Researchers believe that environmental factors fill that gap, with nutrition being the most dominant factor.
“There is a window of opportunity where we can influence the potential height of an individual,” said Fendell. “Parents are seeking natural solutions to help their kids grow, and Healthy Height certainly fills this gap.” Unlike other nutritional products, Healthy Height is not a meal replacement, as the protein drink takes a more supplemental role, therefore still leaving room for a focus on developing healthier eating habits. A clinical trial for Healthy Height showed that children who included it in their diet for a one-year period added 13.8 to 34% to their annual growth in height. The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was published in the Journal of Pediatrics.
