FormulaSeek - Similac Alimentum vs Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is crucial for ensuring that your baby receives optimal nutrition, especially when breastfeeding is not an option. With numerous products available in the market, parents may find it challenging to decide which formula meets their child's needs best. Two popular options are Similac Alimentum and Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula. This post will explore their differences in nutritional composition, special features, target audience, and potential drawbacks to help guide parents in making an informed choice.
Nutritional Composition
Understanding the nutritional composition of infant formulas is key to selecting the right one for your baby. Similac Alimentum is specifically designed for infants with food allergies or sensitivities. It contains extensively hydrolyzed casein protein, making it easier to digest. Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula, on the other hand, uses organic, high-quality whey protein and offers a well-balanced whey-to-casein ratio for overall nutrition.
Carbohydrate sources in Similac Alimentum include corn maltodextrin, while Earth's Best primarily relies on lactose, mimicking the primary carbohydrate in human milk. When it comes to fat sources, Alimentum includes a blend without palm oil, whereas Earth's Best uses a mix of palm olein, safflower, and coconut oils. Additionally, both formulas contain essential vitamins and minerals to support growth and development.
Key Differences
| Component | Similac Alimentum | Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Extensively hydrolyzed casein | Organic whey and casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn maltodextrin | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Non-palm oil blend | Palm olein, safflower, coconut oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | None | Contains prebiotics |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) | Included | Included |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Standard levels | Standard levels |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approx. $0.60 | Approx. $0.50 |
| Organic or Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Certified Organic |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Alimentum is specifically formulated to help manage colic due to protein sensitivity. It includes an easily digestible formula to soothe and provide relief for sensitive stomachs. Unfortunately, it does not feature prebiotics or probiotics. Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula, however, is organic and contains prebiotics which may support healthy digestion. It also offers DHA and ARA, essential for brain and eye development.
Target Audience
Similac Alimentum is ideal for infants who suffer from colic or allergies related to protein sensitivity. Its hypoallergenic formula makes it suitable for babies with sensitive digestive systems. Conversely, Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula is an excellent choice for parents seeking an organic option that supports overall healthy development, better suited for infants without specific allergies or sensitivities.
Similac Alimentum Alternatives
- Enfamil Nutramigen
- Gerber Extensive HA
- Parent's Choice Sensitivity
- Enfamil ProSobee Soy-based Infant Formula
- Similac Sensitive
Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula Alternatives
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Plum Organics Grow Well Organic Infant Formula
- Nature's One Baby's Only Organic Dairy Formula
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro
- Simpilac Advance Organic
Potential Drawbacks
Similac Alimentum, although effective for babies with sensitivities, can be relatively expensive and lacks prebiotic and probiotic content. Parents may also find it less accessible in certain regions. Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula, while offering a high-quality organic product, contains palm olein oil, which may raise concerns for some parents. Additionally, while cheaper than Alimentum, it may still be priced higher than non-organic alternatives.
Conclusion
In summary, both Similac Alimentum and Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula serve distinct needs. Alimentum is well-suited for infants with severe dietary sensitivities and allergies, offering a hypoallergenic solution. In contrast, Earth's Best provides an organic formula option rich in nutrients for babies without specific dietary constraints. As always, consulting a pediatrician is recommended when selecting the appropriate formula for your child, as they can provide tailored advice to ensure your baby's health and well-being.
Sources*
Buy Similac Alimentum Online
Buy Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
Start here
Nutrient comparison
| Similac Alimentum | +/- | Data | +/- | Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.54 g | 0.24 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.20 g | Carbohydrate | 0.40 | 10.60 g | |
| 2.75 g | 0.55 | Protein | 2.20 g | |
| 800.00 mg | 50.00 | 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 Alimentum | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105.00 mg | 27.00 | Calcium | -27.00 | 78.00 mg |
| 75.00 mg | 32.00 | Phosphorus | -32.00 | 43.00 mg |
| 7.50 mg | -0.50 | Magnesium | 0.50 | 8.00 mg |
| 1.80 mg | 0.00 | Iron | 0.00 | 1.80 mg |
| 0.75 mg | 0.00 | Zinc | 0.00 | 0.75 mg |
| 8.00 mcg | -7.00 | Manganese | 7.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 75.00 mcg | 4.00 | Copper | -4.00 | 71.00 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 | 17.00 | Sodium | -17.00 | 27.00 mg |
| 118.00 mg | 8.00 | Potassium | -8.00 | 110.00 mg |
| 80.00 mg | 12.00 | Chloride | -12.00 | 68.00 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 | +/- | Earth's Best Dairy 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 | 0.00 | Vitamin K | 0.00 | 8.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | -40.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | 40.00 | 100.00 mcg |
| 90.00 mcg | -70.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 70.00 | 160.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | -3.00 | Vitamin B6 | 3.00 | 63.00 mcg |
| 0.45 mcg | 0.15 | Vitamin B12 | -0.15 | 0.30 mcg |
| 1350.00 mcg | 250.00 | Niacin | -250.00 | 1100.00 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 | -0.10 | Biotin | 0.10 | 4.60 mcg |
| 9.00 mg | -3.00 | Vitamin C | 3.00 | 12.00 mg |
| 12.00 mg | -4.00 | Choline | 4.00 | 16.00 mg |
| 5.00 mg | -1.00 | Inositol | 1.00 | 6.00 mg |
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |