FormulaSeek - Similac Advance 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 not breastfeeding. A baby's nutritional needs are complex and require careful consideration when selecting a formula that supports their growth and development. Two popular formulas on the market are Similac Advance and Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula. This article will provide an in-depth comparison of these products to help parents make an informed choice.
Nutritional Composition
When evaluating infant formulas, the nutritional composition is paramount. Similac Advance contains a blend of whey and casein proteins, modeled after breast milk, while Earth's Best Gentle uses partially hydrolyzed whey protein. Both formulas use lactose as the primary carbohydrate source, though Similac also includes nonfat milk. Regarding fat sources, Similac utilizes palm olein, high oleic safflower, and soy oils, whereas Earth's Best uses a blend of palm, soy, and coconut oils. Both formulas are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and Vitamin D.
Key Differences
| Component | Similac Advance | Earth's Best Gentle |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey & Casein | Partially Hydrolyzed Whey |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose, Nonfat Milk | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Palm Olein, High Oleic Safflower, Soy | Palm, Soy, Coconut |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | No Prebiotics, Contains Probiotics | Contains Prebiotics |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) | Intended for Brain & Eye Development | Intended for Brain & Eye Development |
| Iron Content | 1.8 mg per serving | 1.8 mg per serving |
| Calcium Content | 63 mg per serving | 60 mg per serving |
| Cost | $0.90 per ounce (estimated) | $0.80 per ounce (estimated) |
| Organic/Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Organic |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Advance includes OptiGRO, a blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E, designed to support brain and eye development. Earth's Best focuses on being organic and includes a prebiotic fiber for digestive health. These unique features cater to different parental priorities, whether they are looking for enhanced nutrient blends or organic certification.
Target Audience
Similac Advance is geared toward infants without specific dietary needs but whose parents prioritize a comprehensive nutritional profile. On the other hand, Earth's Best Gentle is suitable for babies with sensitive stomachs and parents leaning towards organic products or those with concerns about prebiotic intake.
Alternatives to Similac Advance
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro
- Parent's Choice Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- The Honest Co. Organic Premium Infant Formula
Alternatives to Earth's Best Gentle
- Baby's Only Organic Sensitive DHA/ARA
- Plum Organics Grow Well Infant Formula
- Hipp Organic First Infant Milk
- Holles Bio Organic Infant Formula
- Similac Organic Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Similac Advance may not be suitable for infants who are sensitive to palm olein or those whose parents prefer organic formulas. Earth's Best, while organic, can be harder to find in some areas and may cost more than conventional formulas. Parents should weigh these factors against their specific preferences and their baby's needs.
Conclusion
Both Similac Advance and Earth's Best Gentle have their merits and address different parental concerns and infant dietary needs. Similac Advance is a strong contender for parents prioritizing a broad spectrum of nutrients, while Earth's Best offers an organic and digestive-friendly option. It is crucial for parents to consult with a pediatrician to tailor infant nutrition based on individual needs, ensuring their baby's healthy growth and development.
Sources*
Buy Similac Advance Online
Buy Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac Advance | +/- | Data | +/- | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.60 g | 0.30 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.70 g | Carbohydrate | 0.10 | 10.80 g | |
| 2.07 g | Protein | 0.23 | 2.30 g | |
| 1000.00 mg | 250.00 | 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.
| Similac Advance | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45.00 mg | -37.00 | Calcium | 37.00 | 82.00 mg |
| 42.00 mg | -4.00 | Phosphorus | 4.00 | 46.00 mg |
| 6.00 mg | -2.00 | Magnesium | 2.00 | 8.00 mg |
| 1.80 mg | 0.00 | Iron | 0.00 | 1.80 mg |
| 0.75 mg | -0.25 | Zinc | 0.25 | 1.00 mg |
| 5.00 mcg | -10.00 | Manganese | 10.00 | 15.00 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 | -0.80 | Selenium | 0.80 | 2.80 mcg |
| 24.00 mg | -12.00 | Sodium | 12.00 | 36.00 mg |
| 105.00 mg | -3.00 | Potassium | 3.00 | 108.00 mg |
| 65.00 mg | 2.00 | Chloride | -2.00 | 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.
| Similac Advance | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.50 IU | -0.50 | Vitamin E | 0.50 | 2.00 IU |
| 8.00 mcg | -1.00 | Vitamin K | 1.00 | 9.00 mcg |
| 100.00 mcg | 20.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | -20.00 | 80.00 mcg |
| 150.00 mcg | 10.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | -10.00 | 140.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin B6 | 0.00 | 60.00 mcg |
| 0.25 mcg | -0.05 | Vitamin B12 | 0.05 | 0.30 mcg |
| 1050.00 mcg | 50.00 | Niacin | -50.00 | 1000.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | -1.00 | Folic Acid | 1.00 | 16.00 mcg |
| 450.00 mcg | -50.00 | Pantothenic Acid | 50.00 | 500.00 mcg |
| 4.40 mcg | 1.40 | Biotin | -1.40 | 3.00 mcg |
| 9.00 mg | -3.00 | Vitamin C | 3.00 | 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 |
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin D | 0.00 | 60.00 IU |