Cow & Gate’s expert team of scientists, dietitians and nutritionists ensure our baby milks and foods always have the right balance of nutrients and ingredients for every stage of infant growth and development.
Human milk is the gold standard. Cow & Gate continuously investigate the complex biochemical structure and biological functionality of human breast milk ingredients. We translate this knowledge into infant milk formulas, to bring them closer to the health benefits of human milk.
Prebiotic oligosaccharides and immunity are our key focus areas.
Through close links with the scientific and medical community, Cow & Gate’s highly skilled team is always at the forefront of research and development into infant nutrition.
Today, Cow & Gate is part of Group Danone, a leading global company specialising in health through food and beverages.
Our research teams and facilities...
Here is some information about our research team and facilities:
Danone Research – Centre for Specialised Nutrition
The first infant milk formula was developed in 1896 and Danone’s first research centre for baby and medical nutrition was based in Zoetermeer, Netherlands.
Due to extensive expansion the centre relocated in 1997 and is now based in Wageningen, Netherlands - in the heart of Food Valley.
Food Valley is THE scientific heart of food, nutrition, agriculture and health in The Netherlands.
The centre has broadened its focus from only nutrition and technology to ‘Life Sciences’. The two main areas of focus are Baby Nutrition and Medical Nutrition.
The specialist team
In total, Danone Research employs over 1,200 members of staff and 191 of these are dedicated to Baby Nutrition. The transversal platforms include - Clinical Trials, Gut & Microbiology and Immunology.
Did you know?
In 2009 Danone Research had:
- 160 PhDs
- 80 Clinical Studies
- 1600 Scientific Publications
- 36 new inventions / patents
Our key projects in Baby Nutrition Research consist of:
- Composition of human milk
- Modulation of the immune system
- Infection
- Allergy (prevention / treatment)
- Age-specific nutrition
- Metabolic Programming
- Nutritional value, taste & convenience of meals and cereals
Our human milk research in 4 steps:
1. Analyse the composition of breast milk
2. Understand the functionality of breast milk ingredients
3. Translate knowledge into new product concepts
4. Prove health benefits in preclinical and clinical research
Resulting in providing optimal nutrition for infants & toddlers.
If you are interested in learning more about our research facilities please contact us here
Click here for information on the Cow & Gate range of products To see some of our research papers click here