MONTREAL, Oct. 18 /CNW Telbec/ - Yoplait has innovated to create Yoptimal
immuni+(TM), the first yogourt in Canada with ingredients scientifically
recognized to contribute to the stimulation of the immune system. As well as
being a rich and creamy stirred yogourt, Yoptimal immuni+(TM) offers both a
unique combination of two complementary active probiotic cultures, BB 12(R)
and LA 5(R), and a variety of natural fruit and green-tea extracts containing
polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that help maintain good overall
health.
    "Developed in Quebec, this product is the result of the research and
manufacturing efforts of a high-level multidisciplinary team focused on
excellence and innovation," said Mr. Gerry J. Doutre, President and CEO.
"Yoptimal immuni+(TM) has been rigorously tested by independent laboratories
for, among other properties, its antioxidant power and count of active
probiotic cultures. All the ingredients in this Yoplait product are of
exceptional quality and work symbiotically to contribute to the body's natural
defences."

    Yoptimal immuni+(TM) from Yoplait: Your new ally in health
    BB-12(R) and LA-5(R): The power of Yoptimal immuni+(TM) on the immune
    system

    All yogourts are made from two bacteria: Streptococcus thermophilus and
Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Yoptimal immuni+(TM) contains two additional active
probiotic cultures: BB-12(R) (Bifidobacterium) and LA-5(R) (Lactobacillus
acidophilus). When consumed regularly, these two bacteria have beneficial
effects on the immune system and global health. These friendly bacteria-a
billion living bacteria per 100-g serving of Yoptimal immuni+(TM)-remain
active and work in the digestive system, where a large part of our immune
defences develop. In fact, between 70% and 85% of immune cells are found in
the digestive tract(1). According to scientific documentation on probiotics,
this number of bacteria is sufficient to create a positive effect on health.
    It has been clinically documented that this combination of the active
probiotic cultures BB-12(R) and LA-5(R) is safe and has benefits on the immune
system. The BB-12(R) and LA-5(R) bacteria work in symbiosis. Symbiosis is an
interdependent and mutually beneficial relationship between two living
organisms that helps them fulfill certain functions more easily, such as
finding food, protecting themselves, or reproducing.

    The antioxidant power of Yoptimal immuni+(TM): Your everyday ally

    A variety of natural fruit and green-tea extracts containing polyphenols,
which are powerful antioxidants, were carefully selected and added to all
flavours of Yoptimal immuni+(TM) from Yoplait. The variety of the fruit
extracts used by Yoplait allows us to offer consumers a wide range of
antioxidants. The Canadian Food Guide recommends eating a large variety of
foods every day. However, according to the Statistics Canada report Overview
of Canadians' eating habits published on July 6, 2006, more than half of
Canadian adults do not eat the recommended five daily servings of fruits and
vegetables. This substantially reduces their intake of antioxidants and other
essential nutrients. Antioxidants protect the body's cells in order to ensure
adequate functioning.
    "Yoplait's mission is to innovate and respond to the health concerns of
our consumers. This new yogourt provides additional components known to have a
positive effect on health without compromising taste," explained Linda
Montpetit, Dietician. "The new Yoptimal immuni+(TM) yogourt can therefore help
to rectify in part a low antioxidant intake by giving you a dietary plus every
day!"
    Yoptimal immuni+(TM) yogourts from Yoplait come in seven flavours:
Cranberry & Raspberry, Banana & Strawberry, Strawberry, Wild Blueberry, Orange
& Mandarin, Raspberry and Peach & Mango. They are sold in three practical
sizes: 4 x 100g, 12 x 100g, or in 650g containers. Consumers can find out more
about Yoptimal immuni+(TM) by visiting yoptimal.ca.

    About Yoplait

    At the forefront of Canada's yogourt and fresh cheese market for more
than 35 years, Yoplait products are synonymous with quality, diversity and
innovation. Yoplait markets over a hundred products in Canada under such
reputed brand names as Yoplait Minigo, Yoplait Tubes, Yoplait Source, Yoplait
Delicieux, Yop from Yoplait, Yoplait Creamy, Yoplait Basket Fat Free, Spring
Valley, and now Yoptimal immuni+(TM) from Yoplait. At Yoplait, eating
healthfully and having fun is not a contradiction: it's our mission. This is
why we offer yogourts and other dairy products to make all of life's moments
that much more enjoyable.

    For more information about Yoplait products, visit our company Web site:
yoplait.ca.

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    (1) J. Brostoff, S.J. Challacombe, Food Allergy and intolerance. 2nd.
        Toronto, Sauders, 2002, p. 3-15.