FormulaSeek - Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic vs Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a critical decision for parents who are either supplementing breastfeeding or are unable to breastfeed. The right formula can provide the necessary nutrients for a baby's healthy growth and development, while also addressing specific dietary needs. Two popular options on the market are Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic and Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula. This post will explore these two formulas in detail to aid parents in making an informed choice.
Nutritional Composition
When examining infant formulas, understanding the nutritional composition is crucial. Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic is primarily designed for infants with severe allergies and intolerances. It uses amino acids instead of whole proteins, making it easier for sensitive infants to digest. The carbohydrate source is corn syrup solids, and it includes medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) to aid fat absorption.
Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula, on the other hand, uses partially hydrolyzed whey protein, making it suitable for babies with sensitive stomachs but not necessarily those with severe allergies. Lactose is the main carbohydrate, mimicking breast milk closely, with a fat blend sourced from palm, soy, coconut, and high oleic sunflower oils.
Key Differences
| Feature | Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Amino acids | Partially hydrolyzed whey protein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn syrup solids | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Medium-chain triglycerides, safflower oil | Palm oil, soy oil, coconut oil, high oleic sunflower oil |
| Prebiotics/Probiotics | None | No probiotics, contains prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides) |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) | Included | Included |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Higher levels suited for allergic reactions | Standard levels for gentle formulas |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $1.10 (estimated) | $0.80 (estimated) |
| Organic/Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Organic |
Special Features and Benefits
Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic is specially formulated for babies with severe food allergies or milk protein intolerance. Its amino acid-base helps prevent allergic reactions and supports the baby's nutrient absorption by offering a completely broken-down protein structure for maximum safety and efficacy.
Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula is designed for ease of digestion, containing partially hydrolyzed whey proteins to alleviate discomfort in babies with sensitive stomachs. Additionally, it includes a blend of prebiotics to promote healthy gut bacteria which can aid digestive health.
Target Audience
Enfamil PurAmino is ideal for infants with severe allergies, such as cow's milk protein allergy, or multiple food intolerances. It is also suitable for conditions requiring elemental diet management.
Conversely, Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula is best for infants who have mild sensitivities or need an organic option to support daily nutritional needs without the discomfort of a full protein formula.
Alternatives
Alternatives to Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic
- Similac Alimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula
- Nutramigen with Enflora LGG Hypoallergenic Infant Formula
- EleCare Amino Acid-Based Formula for Infants
- Neocate Infant DHA/ARA Formula
- Gerber Extensive HA Hypoallergenic Formula
Alternatives to Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula
- Similac Pro-Total Comfort Formula
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Parent's Choice Gentle Infant Formula
- Organic Parent's Choice Gentle Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Enfamil PurAmino, while very effective for infants with allergies, is considerably more expensive than regular formulas, and its taste may not be favored by all infants. Its availability might also be an issue in some regions.
Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula may not be suitable for babies with severe allergies due to its partially hydrolyzed protein content. Some parents have also expressed concerns about the inclusion of palm oil as a fat source.
Conclusion
Both formulas are designed to address specific infant needs, with Enfamil PurAmino offering a solution for severe allergies, and Earth's Best Gentle catering to those with milder digestive sensitivities desiring an organic option. Parents should evaluate their infant's specific requirements and consult with a pediatrician before selecting a formula. Remember, what works for one baby may not work for another, and professional guidance is indispensable.
Sources*
Buy Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic Online
Buy Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic | +/- | Data | +/- | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.30 g | Fat | 5.30 g | ||
| 10.60 g | Carbohydrate | 0.20 | 10.80 g | |
| 2.80 g | 0.50 | Protein | 2.30 g | |
| 860.00 mg | 110.00 | Linoleic Acid | 750.00 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.
| Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 116.00 mg | 34.00 | Calcium | -34.00 | 82.00 mg |
| 64.00 mg | 18.00 | Phosphorus | -18.00 | 46.00 mg |
| 8.00 mg | 0.00 | Magnesium | 0.00 | 8.00 mg |
| 1.80 mg | 0.00 | Iron | 0.00 | 1.80 mg |
| 1.00 mg | 0.00 | Zinc | 0.00 | 1.00 mg |
| 25.00 mcg | 10.00 | Manganese | -10.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 75.00 mcg | 0.00 | Copper | 0.00 | 75.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Iodine | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.80 mcg | 0.00 | Selenium | 0.00 | 2.80 mcg |
| 47.00 mg | 11.00 | Sodium | -11.00 | 36.00 mg |
| 110.00 mg | 2.00 | Potassium | -2.00 | 108.00 mg |
| 86.00 mg | 23.00 | Chloride | -23.00 | 63.00 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.
| Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin D | 0.00 | 60.00 IU |
| 2.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin E | 0.00 | 2.00 IU |
| 9.00 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin K | 0.00 | 9.00 mcg |
| 80.00 mcg | 0.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | 0.00 | 80.00 mcg |
| 90.00 mcg | -50.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 50.00 | 140.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin B6 | 0.00 | 60.00 mcg |
| 0.30 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin B12 | 0.00 | 0.30 mcg |
| 1000.00 mcg | 0.00 | Niacin | 0.00 | 1000.00 mcg |
| 16.00 mcg | 0.00 | Folic Acid | 0.00 | 16.00 mcg |
| 500.00 mcg | 0.00 | Pantothenic Acid | 0.00 | 500.00 mcg |
| 3.00 mcg | 0.00 | Biotin | 0.00 | 3.00 mcg |
| 12.00 mg | 0.00 | Vitamin C | 0.00 | 12.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 0.00 | Choline | 0.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 18.00 | Inositol | -18.00 | 6.00 mg |