As a healthcare professional, you may provide your patients with guidance regarding good nutrition and healthful eating habits. If you have patients who have expressed interest in organic foods, we are happy to provide you with the latest information on the topic from the scientific and medical communities.

'Organic' refers to the way agricultural foods are produced and processed without chemical pesticides and fertilizers. The goal of organic farming is to build biological diversity, replenish and maintain soil fertility, and reduce farm pollution. There is evolving science that continues to demonstrate the long-term benefits of organic farming on human and animal health and the environment.

All Horizon Organic® products are made from ingredients produced with no antibiotics, no added growth hormones and no dangerous pesticides.

No Antibiotics
Antibiotics are important in the fight against disease and infection, but they may become less effective over time if they are used incorrectly or excessively. Therefore, the widespread use of antibiotics on healthy animals may lower their effectiveness in helping treat human illness. Organic farmers approach herd health holistically, treating animals without the use of antibiotics or hormones.

No Added Growth Hormones
Growth hormones naturally occur in milk, however unlike some non-organic dairy cows, organic cows are never given added growth hormones to increase milk production.

No Dangerous Pesticides
For land to be certified organic, farmers are not allowed to use harmful chemicals that can pollute the air, water and food. Instead, they use sustainable farming techniques like crop rotation and composting to improve soil fertility, and use non-toxic materials to control pests.

Organic Certification
	Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) was created as part of the 1990 Farm Bill.
	It took 10 years to develop a comprehensive set of organic rules and procedures.
	On December 21st, 2000, the USDA published the Final Rule, establishing National Organic Standards. The Final Rule went into effect on October 21, 2002.

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)
	The NOSB was formed in 1992 to advise the National Organics Program
	The board consists of 15 positions appointed by the USDA Secretary of Agriculture, each serving a five-year term
	The board includes:
	4 farmers	2 handlers/processors
	1 retailer	1 scientist
	3 environmentalists	3 consumer/public interest advocates

What are Probiotics?
* Probiotics are a "good" bacterial culture that activates mechanisms in the body to provide health benefits, including digestive and intestinal health.

Why are Probiotics important?
* Probiotics improve and maintain intestinal health
* Probiotics improve the body's natural defenses (immune system)

All Horizon Organic yogurt products contain 5 live and active cultures
* Streptococcus thermophilus
* Lactobacillus bulgaricus
* L. acidophilus
* L. paracasei subsp. Paracasei
* Bifidobacterium lactis

In addition, Horizon Organic Added "Prebiotic" Health Benefit
Horizon Organic Blended, Yo Yo and Baby yogurt lines contain a natural prebiotic fiber
called NutraFlora® that provides an added "prebiotic" health benefit.

What is NutraFlora?®
* NutraFlora is a short-chain fructooligosaccharide (scFOS)
* NutraFlora is a Prebiotic, which is an energy source for healthy bacteria in the intestines

There are several health benefits of NutraFlora including: (based on over 200 scientific studies)
* Enhances the absorption of calcium and magnesium
* Helps maintain a healthy immune system
* Promotes the growth of probiotic microflora in the colon

What is DHA?
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) is a type of Omega-3 fatty acid. It is found naturally in most tissues of the body — and accounts for up to 20 percent of total brain mass.

Why Drink Milk Enhanced with DHA?
Consuming DHA may help support body tissues in which DHA is prevalent — especially the brain, nervous system, heart and retinas. However, since the primary source of DHA is fatty fish and organ meats, many Americans may consume far below the ideal level of this important nutrient.

Here's a more in-depth look at why drinking milk with DHA is so good for your health.

Who Could Benefit Most by Drinking Milk with DHA?
Leading health authorities encourage the consumption of DHA in the diet.⁴ DHA provides a nutritional boost for children's growing minds and bodies. According to pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene, "Most American kids are not getting the DHA they need. The typical three-year-old needs about 150 mg of DHA a day. On average, they are only getting about 19 mg, a tiny fraction of what they need for optimal brain growth."

DHA is also very important throughout pregnancy and while nursing. According to Dr. Greene, "DHA is an important building block for the brain. Babies' brains are growing fastest during pregnancy. That's why it's so important that pregnant and nursing women are getting DHA in their diet. Pregnant and nursing women should be getting 300 mg of DHA per day, but the typical pregnant or nursing woman is only getting about 100 mg a day."

Note: Horizon Organic® Milk Plus DHA Omega-3 is NOT suitable for use as an infant formula. Consult your pediatrician to determine the best time to transition your baby from formula or breast milk to milk.

References:
1.	Yu, Herbert and Rohan, Thomas. Role of Insulin-like Growth factor Family in Cancer Development and Progression, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, v.92, September 20, 2000.
2.	Curl, CL, Fenske, RA, and Elgethun, K. Organophosphorous pesticide exposure of urban and suburban pre-school children with organic and conventional diets, (National Institute of Environmental Sciences, Environmental Health Perspectives, 11193), 2003.
3.	Lichtenstein et al., "American Heart Association Scientific Statement Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations Revisions", Circulation June 2006
4.	Ibid.