FormulaSeek - Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF vs Similac Alimentum RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is crucial for ensuring that your baby receives the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development. For parents, the vast selection of formulas can be overwhelming. Among the various options in the market, Similac Alimentum Ready-to-Feed (RTF) and Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF stand out for their specialized features. Both formulas are designed to meet specific infant needs, making the choice between the two important for managing special dietary requirements.
Nutritional Composition
The nutritional composition of infant formulas varies significantly, making it vital to understand what each formula offers. Similac Alimentum RTF is particularly formulated with pre-digested, hydrolyzed casein protein, which is easier on babies with protein sensitivities. In contrast, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF is crafted to be gentle for babies with lactose sensitivity, using a blend of partially hydrolyzed whey protein and other ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at the specific nutritional components of these formulas.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Alimentum RTF | Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Hydrolyzed casein | Partially hydrolyzed whey protein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn syrup solids | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Safflower oil, MCT oil | Safflower oil, palm olein oil |
| Prebiotics/Probiotics | No | Yes (2’-FL HMO) |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) | Yes | Yes |
| Iron Content | 1.9 mg/100 kcal | 1.9 mg/100 kcal |
| Calcium Content | 78 mg/100 kcal | 78 mg/100 kcal |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.75 (estimated) | $0.60 (estimated) |
| Organic/Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Alimentum RTF stands out for its hydrolyzed protein composition, making it an excellent choice for infants with milk protein allergies or severe colic due to protein sensitivity. The absence of lactose makes it suitable for lactose-intolerant babies. On the other hand, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF includes the addition of 2’-FL HMO prebiotics, which are beneficial for promoting digestive health and potentially boosting the immune system.
Target Audience
Similac Alimentum RTF is ideal for infants who struggle with frequent crying due to a cow's milk protein allergy or sensitivity, as well as those with lactose intolerance. Meanwhile, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF caters to babies dealing with mild lactose sensitivity alongside the desire for gut health support through prebiotics.
Alternatives for Similac Alimentum RTF
- Enfamil Nutramigen
- Gerber Extensive HA
- Earth's Best Sensitivity
- Happy Baby Sensitive
- Parent's Choice Hypoallergenic
Alternatives for Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF
- Enfamil Gentlease
- Similac Sensitive
- Gerber Good Start Soothe Pro
- Earth's Best Gentle
- Happy Baby Organic Sensitive
Potential Drawbacks
While Similac Alimentum RTF provides a solution for protein sensitivities, its higher cost per ounce may pose a financial burden for some families and its distinct taste might not be appealing to all babies. Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF, though affordable, contains palm olein oil, which may inhibit calcium absorption—a controversial aspect for some parents. Additionally, availability can be an issue for both formulas amidst high demand.
Conclusion
Both Similac Alimentum RTF and Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF offer specialized solutions catering to sensitive digestive systems but serve different needs. Alimentum focuses on babies with severe protein allergies, while 360 Total Care Sensitive is oriented towards easing mild lactose sensitivities and enhancing gut health. Always consult with a pediatrician to determine the most suitable formula for your baby’s unique needs.
Sources*
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac Alimentum RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.40 g | Fat | 0.14 | 5.54 g | |
| 10.90 g | 0.70 | Carbohydrate | 10.20 g | |
| 2.10 g | Protein | 0.65 | 2.75 g | |
| 1000.00 mg | Linoleic Acid | 900.00 | 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.
| Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac Alimentum RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84.00 mg | -21.00 | Calcium | 21.00 | 105.00 mg |
| 56.00 mg | -19.00 | Phosphorus | 19.00 | 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 |
| 30.00 mg | -14.00 | Sodium | 14.00 | 44.00 mg |
| 107.00 mg | -11.00 | Potassium | 11.00 | 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 Sensitive RTF | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac Alimentum RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.50 IU | -1.50 | Vitamin E | 1.50 | 3.00 IU |
| 8.00 mcg | -7.00 | Vitamin K | 7.00 | 15.00 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 | 15.00 | Vitamin D | -15.00 | 45.00 IU |