FormulaSeek - ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula vs Similac Alimentum RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents who rely on formula feeding, whether exclusively or supplementally. Each infant formula is designed to meet specific nutritional needs of infants, offering crucial vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients pivotal for healthy growth and development. Similac Alimentum Ready-to-Feed (RTF) and ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula are two popular options available to parents. Both are crafted for specific dietary needs, but they cater to different aspects of infant care, which require thorough examination for an informed choice.
Nutritional Composition
Understanding the nutritional composition of an infant formula is paramount as it directly impacts the infant’s growth and health. Similac Alimentum RTF is designed for infants with food allergies and sensitivities. It utilizes hydrolyzed casein protein, which is easier for infants to digest, and corn maltodextrin as its carbohydrate source. ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula is known for its commitment to using organic ingredients. It features a balanced whey-to-casein protein ratio, lactose as its main carbohydrate source, and a blend of vegetable oils to provide necessary fats. Both formulas contain essential vitamins and minerals, but they differ in specific sources and formulations.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Alimentum RTF | ByHeart Whole Nutrition |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Hydrolyzed casein | Whey and casein (balanced ratio) |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn maltodextrin | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Safflower oil, MCT oil | Vegetable Oils (Coconut, sunflower) |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | None specified | Prebiotics (FOS) |
| Omega-3 Levels (DHA/ARA) | Added DHA/ARA | Enhanced DHA |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Standard iron and calcium | Enriched with higher iron |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.50* | $0.75* |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Organic |
*Estimated prices are subject to change based on retailer and location.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Alimentum RTF is specially designed for infants with colic symptoms, food allergies, and intolerances. It features extensively hydrolyzed protein for easier digestion, which significantly reduces instances of allergic reactions. ByHeart Whole Nutrition uses fresh, organic ingredients and includes prebiotics to aid digestive health and support immune system development. This formula also emphasizes cognitive development with an enhanced DHA profile, mimicking natural breast milk.
Target Audience
Similac Alimentum RTF is ideal for babies struggling with digestive issues, allergies, and sensitivities. The hydrolyzed protein suits infants with lactose sensitivity or intolerance. On the other hand, ByHeart Whole Nutrition caters to babies who can tolerate standard whey-casein protein and thrive on organic, minimally processed nutrition geared towards cognitive and gut health support.
Alternatives
Alternatives to Similac Alimentum RTF
- Nutramigen by Enfamil
- Gerber Extensive HA
- Earth's Best Organic Sensitive
- Happy Baby Sensitive Stage 1
- Stillwater Dairies Gentle Infant Formula
Alternatives to ByHeart Whole Nutrition
- Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Plum Organics Grow Well Organic Infant Formula
- Bobbie Infant Formula
- Kendamil Organic First Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
While offering specialized nutrition, Similac Alimentum RTF comes at a higher cost compared to regular formulas. Limited availability in some areas can also be a concern. ByHeart Whole Nutrition's premium organic ingredients contribute to its higher price point and can be cost-prohibitive for some families. Furthermore, being relatively new to the market, it might not be as widely available as other longstanding brands.
Conclusion
Similac Alimentum RTF and ByHeart Whole Nutrition each cater to different nutritional needs and preferences. For infants with severe allergies and digestive problems, Similac Alimentum RTF proves beneficial with its hypoallergenic and digestible formula. On the other hand, ByHeart's dedication to organic, breast milk-like nutritional profiles makes it a suitable choice for health-conscious parents whose infants do not have allergens. Parents should always consult with a pediatrician to ensure they choose the most appropriate formula based on their baby's specific needs and reactions. Cost and availability should also be key factors when making a decision.
Sources*
Buy ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula Online
Buy Similac Alimentum RTF Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
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Nutrient comparison
| ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac Alimentum RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.80 g | 0.26 | Fat | 5.54 g | |
| 10.30 g | 0.10 | Carbohydrate | 10.20 g | |
| 2.00 g | Protein | 0.75 | 2.75 g | |
| 700.00 mg | Linoleic Acid | 1200.00 | 1900.00 mg |
Ingredient comparison
Items in the left column are unique to that formula, same for the right. Items in the middle are in both.
Minerals comparison
Items in the left column are unique to that formula, same for the right. Items in the middle are in both.
| ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac Alimentum RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78.00 mg | -27.00 | Calcium | 27.00 | 105.00 mg |
| 46.00 mg | -29.00 | Phosphorus | 29.00 | 75.00 mg |
| 8.00 mg | 0.50 | Magnesium | -0.50 | 7.50 mg |
| 1.00 mg | -0.80 | Iron | 0.80 | 1.80 mg |
| 0.70 mg | -0.05 | Zinc | 0.05 | 0.75 mg |
| 15.00 mcg | 7.00 | Manganese | -7.00 | 8.00 mcg |
| 67.00 mcg | -8.00 | Copper | 8.00 | 75.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Iodine | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.80 mcg | 0.80 | Selenium | -0.80 | 2.00 mcg |
| 36.00 mg | -8.00 | Sodium | 8.00 | 44.00 mg |
| 107.00 mg | -11.00 | Potassium | 11.00 | 118.00 mg |
| 63.00 mg | -17.00 | Chloride | 17.00 | 80.00 mg |
Vitamins comparison
Vitamins from both formulas are listed in the center. If they exist in a formula they will have a value next to them. The difference will be show under the +/- column for easy visibility.
| ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac Alimentum RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | 15.00 | Vitamin D | -15.00 | 45.00 IU |
| 2.00 IU | -1.00 | Vitamin E | 1.00 | 3.00 IU |
| 9.00 mcg | -6.00 | Vitamin K | 6.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 80.00 mcg | 20.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | -20.00 | 60.00 mcg |
| 140.00 mcg | 50.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | -50.00 | 90.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin B6 | 0.00 | 60.00 mcg |
| 0.30 mcg | -0.15 | Vitamin B12 | 0.15 | 0.45 mcg |
| 1000.00 mcg | -350.00 | Niacin | 350.00 | 1350.00 mcg |
| 16.00 mcg | 1.00 | Folic Acid | -1.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 500.00 mcg | -250.00 | Pantothenic Acid | 250.00 | 750.00 mcg |
| 3.00 mcg | -1.50 | Biotin | 1.50 | 4.50 mcg |
| 12.00 mg | 3.00 | Vitamin C | -3.00 | 9.00 mg |
| 26.00 mg | 14.00 | Choline | -14.00 | 12.00 mg |
| 6.00 mg | 1.00 | Inositol | -1.00 | 5.00 mg |