FormulaSeek - Similac Alimentum vs Enfamil Nutramigen RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents, as it can significantly impact your baby's growth, development, and overall health. Two popular choices for babies with specific dietary needs are Similac Alimentum and Enfamil Nutramigen RTF. Both are designed to address issues such as allergies and intolerances, but they each offer different benefits and features. In this blog post, we'll compare these two formulas to help you make an informed choice for your baby.
Nutritional Composition
Understanding the nutritional composition of infant formulas is essential for making the right choice. Similac Alimentum and Enfamil Nutramigen RTF both aim to provide complete nutrition but have different formulations.
Similac Alimentum: This formula uses extensively hydrolyzed casein as its protein source, making it easier to digest for babies with cow's milk protein allergy or intolerance. It includes corn maltodextrin and a modified corn starch blend as carbohydrates. Fat sources in Similac Alimentum include high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil, providing essential fatty acids for growth. The formula is rich in vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
Enfamil Nutramigen RTF: Nutramigen RTF also features extensively hydrolyzed casein protein, catering to babies with sensitive stomachs. Its carbohydrate source is corn syrup solids, and its fat blend includes palm oil and soybean oil. This formula is fortified with a robust range of vitamins and minerals to support critical developmental milestones.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Alimentum | Enfamil Nutramigen RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Extensively hydrolyzed casein | Extensively hydrolyzed casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn maltodextrin and modified corn starch | Corn syrup solids |
| Fat Source | High oleic safflower, soy, and coconut oils | Palm and soybean oils |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | None | Contains LGG probiotic |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Available | Available |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Available | Available |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.55 (est.) | $0.58 (est.) |
| Organic or Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Note: Prices are estimates based on current market data and can vary.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Alimentum boasts a blend of easily digestible nutrients, which is beneficial for babies suffering from severe allergies, colic due to protein sensitivity, or general discomfort. It is also lactose-free.
Enfamil Nutramigen RTF includes Lactobacillus GG (LGG) probiotic, which helps in maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria. This makes it particularly advantageous for promoting digestive health in infants with allergies.
Target Audience
Similac Alimentum is particularly suitable for infants with cow's milk protein allergies, lactose intolerance, and colic due to protein sensitivity. It provides complete nutrition for these delicate tummies.
Enfamil Nutramigen RTF is ideal for infants experiencing colic related to allergies and gas. It also works well for babies who require support for their immature digestive systems with added probiotics.
Alternatives
Alternatives to Similac Alimentum
- Gerber Extensive HA
- Earth's Best Organic Sensitivity
- Happy Baby Organic Sensitive
- Perrigo Store Brand Hypoallergenic Formula
- Nutricia Neocate
Alternatives to Enfamil Nutramigen RTF
- Gerber Good Start SoothePro
- Earth's Best Organic Soy Formula
- Perrigo Store Brand Hypoallergenic Formula
- Nutricia Aptamil Pepti
- HiPP HA Combiotik
Potential Drawbacks
While Similac Alimentum is highly effective for specific conditions, it is more expensive than standard formulas. Additionally, some parents may find it harder to source in local stores due to limited availability.
Enfamil Nutramigen RTF is often costlier, and some parents may be concerned about the presence of palm oil. Additionally, like Alimentum, it can sometimes be harder to find in certain locations.
Conclusion
Both Similac Alimentum and Enfamil Nutramigen RTF offer excellent nutritional solutions for babies with specific dietary needs, particularly those dealing with allergies and intolerances. Alimentum is a better option for infants sensitive to protein and lactose, while Nutramigen offers the additional benefit of probiotics for digestive health. Parents should consider each formula's nutritional benefits and consult with their pediatrician to determine the best option for their baby's unique needs.
Sources*
Buy Similac Alimentum Online
Buy Enfamil Nutramigen RTF 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 | +/- | Enfamil Nutramigen RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.54 g | 0.24 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.20 g | Carbohydrate | 0.10 | 10.30 g | |
| 2.75 g | Protein | 0.05 | 2.80 g | |
| 800.00 mg | Linoleic Acid | 60.00 | 860.00 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 | +/- | Enfamil Nutramigen RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105.00 mg | 11.00 | Calcium | -11.00 | 94.00 mg |
| 75.00 mg | 23.00 | Phosphorus | -23.00 | 52.00 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 | -17.00 | Manganese | 17.00 | 25.00 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 | -3.00 | Sodium | 3.00 | 47.00 mg |
| 118.00 mg | 8.00 | Potassium | -8.00 | 110.00 mg |
| 80.00 mg | -6.00 | Chloride | 6.00 | 86.00 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 | +/- | Enfamil Nutramigen RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60.00 IU | 10.00 | Vitamin D | -10.00 | 50.00 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 | 0.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 0.00 | 90.00 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 | -12.00 | Inositol | 12.00 | 17.00 mg |
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |