FormulaSeek - Similac Alimentum vs Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents who are unable to breastfeed or wish to supplement their baby's diet. The right formula can support healthy growth and development, cater to specific dietary needs, and alleviate common infant feeding issues such as gas, fussiness, or allergies. This post reviews two popular infant formulas: Similac Alimentum and Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula, comparing their nutritional composition, differences, benefits, and potential drawbacks.
Nutritional Composition
Both Similac Alimentum and Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula aim to provide essential nutrients required for an infant's development. However, they differ in their approach. Similac Alimentum is a hypoallergenic formula specifically designed for babies with severe food allergies or who have trouble digesting proteins. It contains extensively hydrolyzed casein protein, which means the protein is broken down into smaller, more easily digestible parts. In contrast, Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula uses partially hydrolyzed whey protein, making it suitable for babies with mild sensitivities but not severe allergies. When it comes to carbohydrates, Alimentum primarily uses corn maltodextrin, while Earth's Best Gentle utilizes lactose, mimicking the primary carbohydrate found in breast milk. Both formulas include a blend of vegetable oils for fat, but Earth's Best Gentle is notable for its use of organic ingredients.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Alimentum | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Extensively Hydrolyzed Casein | Partially Hydrolyzed Whey |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn Maltodextrin | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Safflower Oil, Palm Oil | Organic Palm Olein, Soy, Coconut, and High Oleic Sunflower Oils |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | No | Prebiotics (FOS) |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Included | Included |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Standard Levels | Standard Levels |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approx. $0.70/oz* | Approx. $0.45/oz* |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Organic |
*Prices are estimated and may vary by retailer.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Alimentum is particularly beneficial for infants with milk protein allergies or severe intolerances, as its protein is extensively broken down to be easily digestible. It is hypoallergenic and helps reduce symptoms such as rash, colic, and gas. Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula, on the other hand, focuses on being an organic option with partially hydrolyzed protein, catering to babies with mild digestive sensitivities. Its incorporation of prebiotics supports gut health, and its organic certification assures parents of higher ingredient quality.
Target Audience
Similac Alimentum is ideal for babies with severe allergies or protein sensitivities, providing a safe and reliable feeding option. It is also suitable for infants with colic symptoms due to protein intolerance. Earth's Best Gentle is more suitable for babies with mild lactose sensitivity or those on a partially organic diet. Parents aiming for an organic lifestyle often prefer this formula for its alignment with their values and standards.
Alternatives for Similac Alimentum
- Nutramigen with Enflora LGG
- Gerber Extensive HA
- EleCare
- Neocate Infant DHA/ARA
- Happy Baby Organic Sensitive
Alternatives for Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula
- Enfamil Gentlease
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Similac Pro-Total Comfort
- Happy Baby Organic
- Plum Organics Grow Well Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
While Similac Alimentum is highly effective for allergic reactions, its cost is a significant consideration for parents, being one of the more expensive options in the market. Additionally, its taste and smell may not be as appealing to some infants. Earth's Best Gentle, while cost-effective, might not be suitable for infants with severe allergies since its protein is only partially hydrolyzed. Also, the inclusion of palm oil has raised concerns about digestibility and environmental impact for some parents.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between Similac Alimentum and Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula depends largely on your baby's specific dietary requirements and health needs. Similac Alimentum is ideal for infants with severe allergies, while Earth's Best Gentle is better suited for those with mild sensitivities and families seeking organic products. As with any feeding decision, it is crucial to consult with a pediatrician to determine the best choice for your baby's health and development.
Sources*
Buy Similac Alimentum Online
Buy Earth's Best Gentle 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 | +/- | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.54 g | 0.24 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.20 g | Carbohydrate | 0.60 | 10.80 g | |
| 2.75 g | 0.45 | Protein | 2.30 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 Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105.00 mg | 23.00 | Calcium | -23.00 | 82.00 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 | 0.00 | Iron | 0.00 | 1.80 mg |
| 0.75 mg | -0.25 | Zinc | 0.25 | 1.00 mg |
| 8.00 mcg | -7.00 | Manganese | 7.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 75.00 mcg | 0.00 | Copper | 0.00 | 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 |
| 44.00 mg | 8.00 | Sodium | -8.00 | 36.00 mg |
| 118.00 mg | 10.00 | Potassium | -10.00 | 108.00 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 | +/- | Earth's Best Gentle 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 | -12.00 | Choline | 12.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 5.00 mg | -1.00 | Inositol | 1.00 | 6.00 mg |
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |