Abbott Champions Early Brain Development Through Nutrition and Play to Help Raise Fast Learners

Abbott, the global healthcare leader, announced the launch of a campaign to educate and empower parents with information to help them raise fast learners. At an interactive cognitive play workshop held today, Abbott highlighted how the early childhood years – especially between the ages of one to three – are a critical window for a child’s brain development and discussed the benefits of parents tracking key development milestones. 

Developmental and behavioral pediatrician Dr. Josie Eusebio and Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano, Jr., Nutrition Medical Director for

Pacific Asia at Abbott, led the discussion at the “Raising Fast Learners: Unlocking Milestones in Year 3 and Beyond” event held

at ActiveFun BGC. The event focused on how cognition-based play, brain-building nutrition, and purposeful parenting can work

together to support early childhood development. Also present were Similac GainSchool ambassadors Jennylyn Mercado and

Dennis Trillo, who participated in the workshop activities and shared their parenting experiences alongside their daughter,

Dylan.

A child’s brain grows to 80% of its adult size by the age of three. During this period, the brain forms more than one million neural connections every second—laying the foundation for essential cognitive, language, and emotional skills.  

''The brain’s neural connections are strengthened by consistent, positive daily experiences, responsive caregiving, and proper nutrition, making early childhood a vital window for shaping long-term learning potential,'' said Dr. Josie Eusebio, developmental and behavioral pediatrician, who presented at the workshop. ''Through simple activities and by prioritizing good nutrition, parents can support their child’s cognitive growth at the peak of their child’s brain development.'' 

Giving Parents the Ingredients to Boost Early Learning

The workshop hosted by Abbott included child development and nutrition experts who provided information and tips to parents on ways they can support their children.

Dr. Josie Eusebio led the Cognition Play Workshop guiding parents and children through simple yet meaningful activities. These exercises highlighted how everyday play can support brain development during a child’s critical growth years. 

Dr. Eusebio shared that during the third year of life, the brain continues to grow through three essential processes – neurogenesis (brain cells are born), synaptogenesis (formation of brain connections), and myelination (speed of connections within the brain) – which enhance the brain’s ability to process and retain information. These biological processes form the basis for how children think, remember, and learn.

''Brain growth in early childhood is rapid, and what parents do during this stage matters,'' said Dr. Eusebio. ''Simple activities like tracing, sensory play, and asking thoughtful questions help build the essential skills that support faster learning.''

Good nutrition – including a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and healthy fat – is also essential for brain development in children, providing the necessary nutrients for cognitive growth, memory, and learning.

''Nutrition with added gangliosides has been identified to help improve IQ scores in young children,'' said Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr., medical director for Abbott’s nutrition business in Asia Pacific, at the event. ''Abbott formulated Similac GainSchool with its exclusive Prodi-G Nutrition System—the first and only milk formula with added gangliosides. Together, these ingredients help strengthen neural pathways, protect developing brain cells, and promote faster learning during a child’s most formative years.''

Gangliosides are lipids found in the brain that play a key role in supporting the formation of brain connections, which are essential for how the brain communicates and learns. By building strong and efficient brain connections early on, children can have a better foundation for focus, memory, and long-term cognitive growth.

Similac GainSchool ambassadors Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo take part in a hands-on play activity with their daughter Dylan. Guided by insights from Dr. Josie Eusebio’s Cognition Play Workshop, the family explored how everyday play can support Dylan’s development and help nurture her potential as a fast learner.

The workshop featured hands-on activities designed to show how play – when paired with the right nutrition – can help strengthen early brain development. Also present were Similac GainSchool ambassadors Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo who shared their parenting journey in raising their daughter to be a fast learner.