News Release

NATIONAL SURVEY SUGGESTS MOST AMERICANS REMAIN UNAWARE THAT DIETARY FIBER CAN HELP MAINTAIN HEALTHY HEARTS

Baxter Celebrates American Heart Month with Free Shipping of PULSE Water + Nutrients Supplements

DEERFIELD, IL, February 11, 2003-- February is American Heart Month, but do Americans know how to keep their heart healthy? According to a national Harris Interactive study, the "PULSE Nutrition Quotient: Rethink What You Drink," only 46 percent of Americans know that dietary fiber has been shown by research to help maintain heart health.

The "PULSE Nutrition Quotient: Rethink What You Drink" survey was conducted in cities across the country to test Americans' knowledge of the nutritional content of the things they drink as well as general nutrition knowledge. The results showed that many Americans are not aware of the health benefits of nutrients such as selenium, soy isoflavones and, of particular importance for heart health, dietary fiber.

"Increasing total dietary fiber in your diet, especially soluble fiber, can provide important health benefits to help lower cardiovascular risk factors for heart disease," said Linda Van Horn, PhD, R.D., Professor, Northwestern University Medical School Department of Preventive Medicine. "Despite more than a decade of clinical trials and news surrounding the cardiovascular benefits of dietary fiber, most American diets fall well below the recommended amount of 25 grams of fiber each day."

Pulse Nutrition Solutions, Inc., a subsidiary of Baxter International Inc. and the manufacturer of PULSE supplements, is committed to helping improve America's risk factors for heart health. The company is currently funding a large, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that will examine risk factors for heart health.

In recognition of heart health and in celebration of American Heart Month, Pulse Nutrition Solutions is offering free shipping* for online purchases of its PULSE water + nutrients supplements at www.pulsenutrition.com. PULSE supplements are available in three formulas - Heart Health, Women's Health and Men's Health - that provide meaningful amounts of nutrients that help maintain heart health, in addition to other benefits.

"We believe that during American Heart Month all Americans should reevaluate their dietary needs and identify heart-friendly choices," said Judy Gerber, M.S., R.D., clinical manager for Pulse Nutrition Solutions Inc., a subsidiary of Baxter International Inc. "PULSE water + nutrients supplements can help Americans looking for heart-healthy nutrition on the go. PULSE supplements are different because they provide meaningful amounts of nutrients - not just token amounts. For example, one bottle of PULSE Heart Health Formula contains six grams of soluble fiber - enough to make a difference in one's diet."

In addition to purchasing PULSE supplements, and receiving free shipping* this month, at www.pulsenutrition.com, consumers can learn more about the PULSE Nutrition Quotient, take a heart health, women's health or men's health quiz, download coupons and learn more about the nutrients and vitamins contained in PULSE supplements.

THREE TARGETED FORMULAS
PULSE Heart Health Formula contains 25 percent of the recommended daily value of dietary fiber (6 g of soluble fiber per serving), which helps maintain cholesterol levels already within the normal range.*** Other ingredients include vitamin C (100 percent of the recommended daily value), an antioxidant important in maintaining heart health, and selenium (25 percent of the recommended daily value), which helps maintain normal heart function.***

PULSE Women's Health Formula contains nutrients and nutrient-related ingredients that may help reduce symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, help promote bone health and address other nutritional needs of women.*** Each serving provides 15 mg of soy isoflavones**, which help to reduce the occurrence of symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause; calcium (38 percent of the recommended daily value), magnesium (13 percent of the recommended daily value) and vitamin D (100 percent of the recommended daily value), which help promote bone health; vitamin B6 (250 percent of the recommended daily value), which helps to keep the nervous system, blood and skin healthy; folic acid, an important nutrient that helps support a healthy heart and blood vessels; and vitamin B12, which supports folic acid metabolism.

PULSE Men's Health Formula contains a blend of antioxidant nutrients and nutrient-related ingredients designed to help maintain prostate health, heart health and other nutritional needs of men.*** It provides vitamins C (100 percent of the recommended daily value) and E (80 percent of the recommended daily value); selenium (54 percent of the recommended daily value); and 15 mg of green tea catechins** per serving. Catechins have antioxidant properties that are important in maintaining heart and prostate health.

All PULSE supplements are low-calorie - all less than 40 calories per serving (500 ml/16.9 ounce bottle) - and come in a variety of flavors. PULSE water + nutrients supplements are available in the water aisle of grocery and drug stores in select cities. For information on store locations or to purchase PULSE online visit www.pulsenutrition.com.

ABOUT BAXTER
Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, assists health-care professionals and their patients with treatment of complex medical conditions, including cancer, hemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease and trauma. The company applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives. For more information, please visit www.baxter.com and www.pulsenutrition.com.

*Free shipping is limited and only applies to UPS Ground shipments. Please visit www.pulsenutrition.com for more details. Free shipping is available on minimum orders of one case (or four 3-packs). Orders can only be shipped within the United States, excluding Alaska, California, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan and Oregon.

**Daily values not established.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: