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Malaysian singer and actress Bella Astillah has been unveiled as the new brand ambassador for Aptamil™ KID, marking a partnership rooted in one thing she says matters most as a mother: confidence through science. Best known for her music career and strong connection with young families, Bella shared how motherhood reshaped the way she makes decisions, especially when it comes to nutrition. "When it comes to my children, I don’t guess. I want to understand what I’m giving them and why. I’m not a scientist, but I know how to ask questions. What convinced me about Aptamil™ KID C-SynB was the deep research behind it. When something is proven with real evidence, that gives me confidence as a parent." - Bella Astillah Her appointment as the brand’s first-ever Malaysian ambassador was announced at the Aptamil™ KID Synbio+ Science Café, held at M Resort Hotel, Damansara, as part of C-Section Awareness Month initiative in the country. A Modern Mum Making Informed Choices Bella shared that becoming a parent made her more intentional, guided by a stronger sense of conviction in the brands she chooses to support. Bella further emphasised that understanding the why behind a product was key to her decision. “Every parent wants the best for their children. For me, that means looking beyond trends and truly understanding the quality, science and ingredients behind products. When I learnt about Synbio+ in Aptamil KID C-SynB and how it is clinically studied, that gave me assurance,” she mentioned. The link between C-Section and the gut as well as the role of nutrition New findings published in 2025 in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (EJCN) show that a specific synbiotic blend combining the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and prebiotics GOS/lcFOS (9:1) can help effectively improve gut balance in C-section-born children at one year old and above. Helping the audience digest this info at the event was Dr Nisa Khalil, Consultant Paediatrician, who explained, “Gut health forms the foundation of a child’s immunity. Around 70% to 80% of immune cells are actually located in the gut, which means how well the gut develops will influence how strongly a child’s body responds to infections. That’s why nurturing the gut in the right way is so important for building longterm immunity.” "Research also shows that children born via C-section may have lower levels of beneficial gut bacteria from one year old and above, and this imbalance can last for several years. It doesn’t mean they’re at a disadvantage, but it does mean they may need the right support to help build a balanced gut." - Dr Nisa Khalil, Consultant Paediatrician Addressing common misconceptions, Dr Nisa clarified, “Probiotics or prebiotics alone aren’t enough. What truly matters is the right pairing. When the right probiotic and prebiotic are combined, they create a synbiotic effect. By working together, in synergy, it supports gut balance more effectively. That’s why choosing the correct combination of probiotic and prebiotics is key.” Why does this matter in Malaysia? Bella’s appointment comes at a time when C-section rates account for approximately 26% of total births in Malaysia, exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended range of 10–15%. As the leading global nutrition company that prides itself in bringing health through food to as many as possible, Danone seeks to deepen its efforts in supporting children born via C-section with science-backed nutrition and education. Supporting Parental Confidence Koh Kok Meng, Country Manager of Danone Malaysia and Singapore, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to informed parenting: "With social media and AI, like Bella, parents today are more connected and informed than ever. Through initiatives like C-Section Awareness Month, we want to help parents make sense of scientific concepts so they can make choices that best meet their children’s nutritional needs. In this case, it is understanding the impact of c-section on gut health and how it can compromise immunity and brain development. Bella’s partnership could not have come at a better time. It is relevant given today’s context, and we truly appreciate Bella’s voice in helping us raise awareness on the power of nutrition for health." According to Danone, its Aptamil™ KID C-SynB is the first and only proven formula in Malaysia to feature this Synbio+ pairing, which combines selected probiotic and prebiotics that work synergistically to support gut health and immunity for children born via C-section. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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