Abbott, a global healthcare leader, on Monday announced the launch in Viet Nam of PediaSure, its innovative childhood nutrition solution with arginine and natural vitamin K2.

Viet Nam is the first country in Asia to launch the product.

Undernutrition in children is common globally and may result in both short- and long-term irreversible negative health outcomes. In Viet Nam, despite some progress, undernutrition in children remains a persistent social and economic concern.

Globally, Viet Nam ranks among the group of countries with the shortest average height. This is a result of many factors, including nutrition deficiency from early childhood.

Yen Ling Low, director of research & development at Abbotts Nutrition R&D Centre Asia Pacific, said: "Arginine is an important amino acid which may play a role in height growth. It promotes the multiplication of cells at the growth plate in bones to help bones grow longer."

Research has shown that stunted children have significantly lower blood levels of arginine than normal children, and that lower arginine intake was associated with slower height growth.

Natural vitamin K2 is an important nutrient that helps deliver and bind calcium to bones, and ultimately helps build stronger bones.

Douglas Kuo, general manager of Abbott Viet Nam, said: “With a deep understanding of the nutritional challenges in Viet Nam, we are committed to pioneering research and working closely with Viet Nam stakeholders and healthcare organisations in combating stunting and malnutrition, and supporting children to catch up with and sustain growth."

“The launch of the new PediaSure in Viet Nam, one of our priority markets globally, is a demonstration of Abbotts commitment to the country and our goal of working together to build a strong foundation for children to reach optimal growth to unlock their full potential,” he said.— VNS