FormulaSeek - Similac 360 Total Care vs Similac Alimentum
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a critical decision for parents who are unable to breastfeed or need to supplement their baby's diet. The correct formula can significantly impact a baby's growth, development, and overall health. Two popular options in the infant formula market are Similac Alimentum and Similac 360 Total Care. Both offer unique benefits and nutritional compositions that cater to different dietary needs and sensitivities.
Nutritional Composition
Understanding the nutritional composition of infant formulas is essential, as it affects how well a formula can support a baby's development. Both Similac Alimentum and Similac 360 Total Care offer rich nutritional profiles designed to meet the demands of growing infants.
Similac Alimentum is specifically formulated with hydrolyzed protein, making it easier to digest for babies with protein sensitivities. Its fat sources include a blend of oils designed to mimic breast milk without palm olein oil, which some infants have difficulty digesting. The carbohydrate source is usually corn syrup, making it lactose-free for infants with lactose intolerance.
Similac 360 Total Care focuses on overall nutritional balance, aiming to closely replicate the nutrient richness of human breast milk. It typically contains both casein and whey proteins, with lactose as a carbohydrate source, and a blend of several oils, including safflower and soy oil, which provide essential fatty acids.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Alimentum | Similac 360 Total Care |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Hydrolyzed casein | Whey and Casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn syrup solids | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Safflower, MCT oils | Safflower, Soy oils |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | None | 2'-FL HMO (Prebiotic) |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) levels | Contains DHA, ARA | Enhanced DHA, ARA |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Standard levels | Standard levels |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.25 per ounce (estimated) | $0.30 per ounce (estimated) |
| Organic or Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Alimentum is specifically designed for infants with food allergies and colic due to protein sensitivity. Its hydrolyzed protein is broken down into smaller pieces, making it easier for sensitive stomachs to digest and absorb. On the other hand, Similac 360 Total Care is formulated to provide comprehensive nutrition closer to human milk. It includes a prebiotic blend, specifically 2'-FL HMO, known to support immune health and gut development.
Target Audience
Similac Alimentum is best suited for infants who have been diagnosed with protein allergies, lactose intolerance, or significant sensitivity issues. It's a go-to choice for parents dealing with fussy babies due to digestive discomfort caused by regular formulas. Similac 360 Total Care, with its balanced nutrition and prebiotics, is ideal for healthy, full-term infants as a supplement or alternative to breast milk, supporting brain and immune system development.
Alternatives
Alternatives for Similac Alimentum
- Nutramigen by Enfamil
- Gerber Extensive HA
- Earth's Best Organic Sensitivity
- Perrigo Hypoallergenic Formula
- Mama Bear Hypoallergenic
Alternatives for Similac 360 Total Care
- Enfamil Enspire
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro
- Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Baby's Only Organic Dairy with DHA
Potential Drawbacks
While Similac Alimentum is effective in managing food allergies and sensitivities, its use of corn syrup solids may be a concern for parents wanting to minimize sugar intake. It also lacks prebiotics and probiotics, which might be desired for gut health support. Additionally, its cost is relatively high compared to regular formula.
Similac 360 Total Care, although comprehensive in nutrition, might not suit babies with protein sensitivities or lactose intolerance. Its higher price point can also be a financial consideration for many families.
Conclusion
Both Similac Alimentum and Similac 360 Total Care provide valuable nutritional support tailored to different dietary needs. Alimentum is exceptional for addressing food sensitivities and digestive concerns, while 360 Total Care brings balanced and enhanced nutrition closer to breast milk for healthy infants. Parents should choose the formula that best aligns with their infant's health requirements and dietary restrictions. Consulting with a pediatrician is always recommended to ensure the best nutritional choice for their baby's unique needs.
Sources*
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac 360 Total Care | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac Alimentum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.60 g | 0.06 | Fat | 5.54 g | |
| 10.50 g | 0.30 | Carbohydrate | 10.20 g | |
| 2.07 g | Protein | 0.68 | 2.75 g | |
| 1000.00 mg | 200.00 | Linoleic Acid | 800.00 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.
| Similac 360 Total Care | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac Alimentum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78.00 mg | -27.00 | Calcium | 27.00 | 105.00 mg |
| 42.00 mg | -33.00 | Phosphorus | 33.00 | 75.00 mg |
| 6.00 mg | -1.50 | Magnesium | 1.50 | 7.50 mg |
| 1.80 mg | 0.00 | Iron | 0.00 | 1.80 mg |
| 0.75 mg | 0.00 | Zinc | 0.00 | 0.75 mg |
| 5.00 mcg | -3.00 | Manganese | 3.00 | 8.00 mcg |
| 90.00 mcg | 15.00 | Copper | -15.00 | 75.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Iodine | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.00 mcg | 0.00 | Selenium | 0.00 | 2.00 mcg |
| 24.00 mg | -20.00 | Sodium | 20.00 | 44.00 mg |
| 105.00 mg | -13.00 | Potassium | 13.00 | 118.00 mg |
| 65.00 mg | -15.00 | Chloride | 15.00 | 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.
| Similac 360 Total Care | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac Alimentum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.50 IU | -1.50 | Vitamin E | 1.50 | 3.00 IU |
| 8.00 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin K | 0.00 | 8.00 mcg |
| 100.00 mcg | 40.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | -40.00 | 60.00 mcg |
| 150.00 mcg | 60.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | -60.00 | 90.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin B6 | 0.00 | 60.00 mcg |
| 0.25 mcg | -0.20 | Vitamin B12 | 0.20 | 0.45 mcg |
| 1050.00 mcg | -300.00 | Niacin | 300.00 | 1350.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Folic Acid | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 450.00 mcg | -300.00 | Pantothenic Acid | 300.00 | 750.00 mcg |
| 4.40 mcg | -0.10 | Biotin | 0.10 | 4.50 mcg |
| 9.00 mg | 0.00 | Vitamin C | 0.00 | 9.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 12.00 | Choline | -12.00 | 12.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 19.00 | Inositol | -19.00 | 5.00 mg |
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin D | 0.00 | 60.00 IU |