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Kellogg's Cereals Claiming To Boost Immunity

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Nov 3, 2009 9:56 pm US/Eastern

Kellogg's Cereals Claiming To Boost Immunity

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― A popular cereal maker has added a new claim to its products.

Kellogg's says that added vitamins in Rice Krispies and Cocoa Krispies support a child's immune system.

Some nutritionists and even lawmakers are outraged at the idea and say the company is misleading parents at a time when they're especially worried about H1N1.

"It simply defies logic to think that spraying on some vitamins and minerals to a cereal that's otherwise almost 40 percent of its weight in sugar makes a healthy product. It just doesn't add up," Kelly Brownell, an obesity expert at Yale University, said.

But Kellogg's argues increasing the amount of vitamins A, C and E in these cereals does promote better health.

"These nutrients have been identified by the Institute of Medicine and other studies as playing an important role in the body's immune system. Therefore, we believe the claim is supported by reliable and competent scientific evidence," the company said in a statement.

UPMC Nutritionist Leslie Bonci agrees.

"It is not a bad argument because you need to be well nourished to keep your defense system healthy," she said. "The other thing about cereal in particular - what do most people have with cereal? Milk and milk provides protein and protein also supports a healthy immune system."

But an even better way to boost immunity is to eat lean proteins, juices and colorful fruits and vegetables.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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