FormulaSeek - Similac Alimentum vs ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for many parents, particularly when breastfeeding is not possible or sufficient. With a plethora of options available, understanding the differences in infant formula can make this decision more informed. Two prominent choices are Similac Alimentum and ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. Each formula offers unique characteristics tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of infants, but they differ significantly in their approach and ingredients.
Nutritional Composition
Similac Alimentum is known for its extensively hydrolyzed protein content, making it easier for babies with protein sensitivities or allergies to digest. It often includes casein hydrolysate as the primary protein source. Carbohydrate sources usually involve corn maltodextrin, while fat sources typically feature medium-chain triglycerides and/or palm olein oil. The formula is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to support growth and development.
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula uses a blend of organic whole milk-based whey protein, offering a different protein composition designed to mimic the whey-to-casein ratio in breast milk. It incorporates lactose as its primary carbohydrate source, with added high oleic sunflower oil and coconut oil as components of its fat blend. This formula emphasizes its content of vitamins and minerals as well, supporting comprehensive nutritional needs.
Key Differences
| Component | Similac Alimentum | ByHeart Whole Nutrition |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Hydrolyzed Casein | Whey Protein from Organic Whole Milk |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn Maltodextrin | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Palm Oil, MCT | Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | None | Prebiotics Added |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Included | Included |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Standard Infancy Levels | Standard Infancy Levels |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.80 (estimated) | $1.20 (estimated) |
| Organic or Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Organic |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Alimentum stands out due to its extensively hydrolyzed proteins, making it particularly suitable for babies with protein sensitivities or allergies. In contrast, ByHeart Whole Nutrition highlights the benefit of using more natural sources like organic whole milk, which may be better tolerated by infants with more general nutritional needs but without specific dietary restrictions.
Target Audience
Similac Alimentum is ideal for babies who experience difficulty digesting standard formulas, particularly those with food allergies or colic-like symptoms related to protein sensitivity. ByHeart Whole Nutrition, on the other hand, is suited for families seeking a formula with closer similarity to breast milk, particularly beneficial for otherwise healthy infants transitioning from breastfeeding or needing additional supplementation.
Alternatives
Alternatives to Similac Alimentum
- Nutramigen with Enflora LGG
- Gerber Extensive HA
- Enfamil ProSobee
- Earth’s Best Organic Sensitive Formula
- Target Up&Up Hypoallergenic Formula
Alternatives to ByHeart Whole Nutrition
- Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula with Iron
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Similac Organic with A2 Milk
- Gerber Good Start Gentle Formula
- Kendamil Organic Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Similac Alimentum, despite its benefits for sensitive tummies, may come with a higher price tag and potentially limited availability in some areas. ByHeart Whole Nutrition also finds itself on the higher end of pricing and might not be widely available in all retailers. Additionally, some parents might be concerned about the lack of extensively hydrolyzed proteins, which are specific to infants with certain medical conditions.
Conclusion
Both Similac Alimentum and ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula offer important nutritional benefits but cater to different needs. Similac Alimentum is particularly suitable for infants requiring an allergy-friendly formula, while ByHeart Whole Nutrition offers a more holistic, organic approach designed to mimic the nutritional profile of breast milk. Ultimately, the choice between these products should be informed by your infant's specific dietary needs and should ideally involve consultation with a pediatrician to ensure appropriateness for your child's health context.
Sources*
Buy Similac Alimentum Online
Buy ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac Alimentum | +/- | Data | +/- | ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.54 g | Fat | 0.26 | 5.80 g | |
| 10.20 g | Carbohydrate | 0.10 | 10.30 g | |
| 2.75 g | 0.75 | Protein | 2.00 g | |
| 800.00 mg | 100.00 | Linoleic Acid | 700.00 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 Alimentum | +/- | Minerals | +/- | ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105.00 mg | 27.00 | Calcium | -27.00 | 78.00 mg |
| 75.00 mg | 29.00 | Phosphorus | -29.00 | 46.00 mg |
| 7.50 mg | -0.50 | Magnesium | 0.50 | 8.00 mg |
| 1.80 mg | 0.80 | Iron | -0.80 | 1.00 mg |
| 0.75 mg | 0.05 | Zinc | -0.05 | 0.70 mg |
| 8.00 mcg | -7.00 | Manganese | 7.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 75.00 mcg | 8.00 | Copper | -8.00 | 67.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Iodine | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.00 mcg | -0.80 | Selenium | 0.80 | 2.80 mcg |
| 44.00 mg | 8.00 | Sodium | -8.00 | 36.00 mg |
| 118.00 mg | 11.00 | Potassium | -11.00 | 107.00 mg |
| 80.00 mg | 17.00 | Chloride | -17.00 | 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 Alimentum | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin D | 0.00 | 60.00 IU |
| 3.00 IU | 1.00 | Vitamin E | -1.00 | 2.00 IU |
| 8.00 mcg | -1.00 | Vitamin K | 1.00 | 9.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | -20.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | 20.00 | 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 |
| 0.45 mcg | 0.15 | Vitamin B12 | -0.15 | 0.30 mcg |
| 1350.00 mcg | 350.00 | Niacin | -350.00 | 1000.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | -1.00 | Folic Acid | 1.00 | 16.00 mcg |
| 750.00 mcg | 250.00 | Pantothenic Acid | -250.00 | 500.00 mcg |
| 4.50 mcg | 1.50 | Biotin | -1.50 | 3.00 mcg |
| 9.00 mg | -3.00 | Vitamin C | 3.00 | 12.00 mg |
| 12.00 mg | -14.00 | Choline | 14.00 | 26.00 mg |
| 5.00 mg | -1.00 | Inositol | 1.00 | 6.00 mg |
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |