FormulaSeek - Similac Advance RTF vs Similac Alimentum
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for many parents, especially when breast feeding is not an option. With numerous options available in the market, understanding the differences in nutritional content and benefits is vital for ensuring your baby’s health and development. Similac Alimentum and Similac Advance RTF are two popular infant formulas designed to cater to different infant needs. This blog post will explore these two formulas to help guide informed parental choices.
Nutritional Composition
Similac Alimentum is a hypoallergenic formula designed to help infants with allergies or other sensitivities, providing essential nutrition through hydrolyzed protein and easy-to-digest ingredients. Similac Advance RTF, on the other hand, is formulated for everyday feeding with a focus on ingredients that mimic those found in breast milk.
The key nutritional components of these formulas differ significantly. Similac Alimentum uses extensively hydrolyzed casein protein, making it easier for sensitive stomachs to digest. Similac Advance RTF relies on a blend of non-hydrolyzed proteins with a 60:40 whey to casein ratio, closely mimicking breast milk for optimal nutrition.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Alimentum | Similac Advance RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Hydrolyzed casein | Non-hydrolyzed whey to casein (60:40) |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn Maltodextrin | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Safflower and MCT oils | Safflower, palm, and soy oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | None | Prebiotics (FOS) |
| Omega-3 Levels (DHA/ARA) | Yes | Yes |
| Iron and Calcium Content | 0.86 mg; 84 mg per 100 Cal | 1.89 mg; 78 mg per 100 Cal |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.47* | $0.58* |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
*Prices are estimated and may vary.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Alimentum is specially designed for babies with allergies to cow’s milk protein or with colic due to protein sensitivity. Its hydrolyzed protein is broken down into smaller, easy-to-digest pieces. Similac Advance RTF is enriched with DHA and ARA, nutrients essential for brain and eye development, and contains OptiGRO—a blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E.
Target Audience
Similac Alimentum is most suited for babies with severe food allergies or intolerances, including sensitivity to protein. It's ideal for infants diagnosed with colic caused by a milk protein allergy. Similac Advance RTF serves as an excellent option for healthy infants who require nutritious everyday formula to support growth and development.
Alternatives for Similac Alimentum
- Nutramigen by Enfamil - Gerber Extensive HA - EleCare Infant Formula - Earth's Best Sensitivity Infant Formula - PurAmino Hypoallergenic FormulaAlternatives for Similac Advance RTF
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula - Gerber Good Start GentlePro - Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula - Baby’s Only Organic Dairy Formula - Happy Baby Organic Infant FormulaPotential Drawbacks
Similac Alimentum can be more expensive compared to regular infant formulas, and some parents find its taste and smell less appealing. Similac Advance RTF contains palm olein oil, which some parents wish to avoid due to digestion concerns. Moreover, its cost is generally higher since it's a ready-to-feed format.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Similac Alimentum and Similac Advance RTF offer beneficial features tailored to address specific infant needs. Similac Alimentum is ideal for infants with protein sensitivities or allergies, while Similac Advance RTF is best for average infants needing quality nutrition similar to breast milk. Parents considering a formula switch or starting with formula feeding are encouraged to consult a pediatrician to ensure their choice aligns with their baby’s nutritional needs and overall health requirements.
Sources*
Buy Similac Advance RTF Online
Buy Similac Alimentum Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac Advance RTF | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac Alimentum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.40 g | Fat | 0.14 | 5.54 g | |
| 11.20 g | 1.00 | Carbohydrate | 10.20 g | |
| 2.07 g | Protein | 0.68 | 2.75 g | |
| 0 | Linoleic Acid | 800.00 | 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 Advance RTF | +/- | 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 Advance RTF | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac Alimentum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin D | 0.00 | 60.00 IU |
| 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 |