A rich heritage of Life
Transforming Nutrition
In 1896, an entrepreneurial approach to the latest nutritional science led to the establishment of Nutricia, changing the lives of millions of people around the world.
Our story
Poor infant nutrition - a 19th century common cause of infant mortality across Europe
At the end of the nineteenth century one in five infants died before the age of one, with poor nutrition recognized as one of the main causes1-2. Many mothers struggled to breastfeed and were forced to use animal milks, particularly cow’s milk, to feed their babies. It was not known at the time that the composition of cow’s milk was not appropriate for feeding infants and could also be a carrier of disease. These two factors contributed to high infant mortality across Europe.
An important discovery and a breakthrough in nutritional innovation
In 1885, based on his laboratory-based study of breastmilk, Professor Backhaus pioneered an innovation in infant formula: a breakthrough formula inspired by breast milk. This more easily digestible formula ensured mothers unable to breast feed, had a high quality and safe alternative they could trust.
Nutricia is born
In 1896 Dr. Johannes van der Hagen, a Dutch medical doctor and Public Health Inspector, learned about Professor Backhaus’ and together with his brother Martinus van der Hagen, he founded the new company, Nutricia.
Beyond infant nutrition and the start of medical nutrition
Always strongly rooted in science, Nutricia quickly expanded its focus beyond infant nutrition.
Medical advances had discovered important links between nutrition and many common illnesses at key moments in life and as such, Nutricia was among the first to pioneer the concept of ‘medical nutrition’. This led to the development of special milks, including low-sugar solutions for diabetic patients and milks fortified with iodine for goitre sufferers - a swelling of the thyroid gland that was particularly prevalent at this time.
Nutricia today – Life-Transforming Nutrition at every stage of life
From its earliest days Nutricia has distinguished itself through a commitment to leading-edge nutritional research that has led to the discovery, development, and delivery of breakthrough nutritional solutions for parents, patients and carers all around the world.
Now established as a key healthcare brand of Danone, Nutricia has intensified its focus and expertise on developing research-based, life-transforming, nutritional solutions to help people around the world live longer, more joyful, and healthier lives.
Nutricia timeline
A heritage of innovation
Our story starts back in The Netherlands in 1896, when a doctor, a public inspector and a salesman came together to realise the potential of medical nutrition. Over a century later, Nutricia continues to pioneer nutritional solutions that help people live longer, healthier lives.
2020
New Dietetic App launched, using the latest digital technology to support HCPs to develop nutrition regimes for their patients.
Danone Wexford became the first Carbon Neutral infant formula production plant in the world to be certified by the Carbon Trust.
2019
Launch of Nutrison Protein Intense, nutrition support to meet the needs of critically ill patients.
2018
Launch of PKU GMPro, Nutricia's first protein substitute based on glycomacropeptides.
Fortisip Compact Protein launched - the first high protein, low volume oral nutritional supplement for adults.
2017
Neocate Junior launched.
2016
Fortini Compact Multi Fibre launched - the first high protein, fibre containing, low volume oral nutritional supplement for paediatric patients.
2015
Inspired by 40 years of early life research, Nutricia develops a new infant formula, Aptamil Profutura.
2014
Launch of Nutrison Protein Advance, a high protein tube feed designed for use in the dietary management of critically ill patients.
2013
Our understanding of breast milk inspires Aptamil with Pronutra+ our unique blend of ingredients.
2012
Launch of Souvenaid, a nutritional innovation designed for use in the dietary management of early Alzheimer's disease.
2011
Complan and Complan Shake become part of the Nutricia portfolio.
2009
Launch of Fortisip Compact, the first low-volume sip feed.
2008
Nutricia Care launched in the Republic of Ireland, supporting the delivery of excellent services to residents in nursing homes.
Fortisip Extra launched, the first sip feed providing 100% RNI in two bottles.
2007
Nutricia becomes a part of Danone, strengthening its global mission.
2004
KetoCal is launched, the first nutritional product designed to be used as part of the ketogenic diet for patients with refractory epilepsy.
2003
Fortini sip feed range for children is launched and we extend the ONS range with the introduction of Diasip specifically designed for patients with Diabetes.
2002
First to introduce our unique blend of short and long chain oligosaccharides (scGOS/lcFOS) to infant formula in the ratio of 9:1. Cubitan is launched, the first nutritional product designed for patients with chronic wounds.
1999
Infatrini high energy infant feed is launched.
1996
First to move from glass bottles to a collapsible foil pack for tube feeding products.
1995
Neocate Advance is launched, the first amino-acid formula for managing cow’s milk allergy in children aged one and older.
1994
First to develop a paediatric range.
1992
Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) discovered in breast milk.
1985
Nutricia Clinical Care enters the Irish market and we develop the first formula for infants with food intolerances.
1973
First pre term formula.
Our research into breast milk’s effects on healthy growth leads to the development of a formula nutritionally tailored for preterm infants.
1967
Nutrison is introduced, a ready-to-use complete tube feed.
1960
First product for PKU launches.
1946
Our first research centre opens: Nutricia R&D is born in The Netherlands.
1906
Nutricia pioneers the concept of medical nutrition. The first product is developed to help people with diabetes and the first nutritional product for those suffering from goitre (a thyroid condition linked to a lack of iodine in the diet).
1901
Nutricia is born. Our founders named their enterprise ‘Nutricia’ after Professor Backhaus’ laboratory, the ‘Nutricia Zentrale’, which derived its name from the latin word ‘nutrire’ (‘to feed’).
1896
Professor Backhaus filed a patent for his innovation in infant milk formula: a more easily digestible formula inspired by breast milk, saving the lives of thousands of babies all around the world.
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- Nutricia Ireland Limited is a company registered in the Republic of Ireland with company number 106997. VAT Number IE4800652P
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