FormulaSeek - Similac Alimentum vs Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents who either do not breastfeed or need to supplement breast milk. Infant formulas are designed to mimic the nutritional profile of human milk and provide essential nutrients for a baby's growth and development. With a plethora of options available in the market, it becomes imperative to select a formula that meets your baby's specific nutritional requirements. Among these, Similac Alimentum and Enfamil® Sensitive Infant Formula are two well-reputed brands that cater to babies with particular dietary needs.
Nutritional Composition
Similac Alimentum and Enfamil® Sensitive Infant Formula offer distinct nutritional compositions aimed at addressing different infant dietary requirements. Similac Alimentum is particularly notable for its hypoallergenic formulation, making it a suitable option for infants with allergies to cow’s milk protein. It features extensively hydrolyzed casein protein, promoting easier digestion and minimizing allergic reactions. Meanwhile, Enfamil® Sensitive Infant Formula is tailored for babies with lactose sensitivity, containing milk protein isolate and a reduced lactose content.
When considering carbohydrates, Similac Alimentum uses corn maltodextrin, whereas Enfamil® Sensitive opts for corn syrup solids. In terms of fats, Similac Alimentum incorporates a blend of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and high oleic safflower oil, whereas Enfamil® Sensitive utilizes palm olein oil, soy oil, coconut oil, and safflower oil. These unique combinations cater to the digestive tolerance differences in infants.
Both formulas are enriched with essential vitamins and minerals. Each provides critical nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, though the specific amounts might vary, adapting to the particular health necessities they address.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Alimentum | Enfamil® Sensitive |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Extensively hydrolyzed casein | Milk protein isolate |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn maltodextrin | Corn syrup solids |
| Fat Source | Medium-chain triglycerides, high oleic safflower oil | Palm olein oil, soy oil, coconut oil, safflower oil |
| Prebiotics/Probiotics | None | None |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Present | Present |
| Iron Content | Added | Added |
| Calcium Content | Added | Added |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approximately $1.9* per ounce | Approximately $1.6* per ounce |
| Organic/Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
*Prices are estimated and may vary based on location and retailer.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Alimentum is renowned for its hypoallergenic nature, suitable for infants with cow's milk protein allergies or colic due to protein sensitivity. Its use of extensively hydrolyzed proteins means the protein molecules are broken down into smaller, more easily digestible forms, reducing the likelihood of an allergic reaction.
Enfamil® Sensitive Infant Formula is specifically engineered for infants with lactose sensitivity. The formula maintains key nutrients found in regular milk-based formula but with reduced lactose, helping mitigate discomfort associated with lactose intolerance.
Target Audience
Similac Alimentum is ideal for infants who suffer from allergies, colic due to protein sensitivity, or have difficulty digesting other formulas. Its hypoallergenic formula can offer relief and promote digestive comfort.
On the other hand, Enfamil® Sensitive is tailored for babies experiencing lactose sensitivity. It caters to those who require low lactose intake, reducing gassiness, fussiness, or other tummy troubles.
Alternatives
Similac Alimentum Alternatives
- Nutramigen with Enflora LGG
- Gerber Good Start Extensive HA
- HiPP Comfort Formula
- EleCare Infant Formula
- Puracy Organic Baby Formula
Enfamil® Sensitive Alternatives
- Similac Pro-Total Comfort
- Gerber Good Start SoothePro
- Earth’s Best Sensitivity
- Parent's Choice Sensitivity
- Up & Up Sensitivity
Potential Drawbacks
Similac Alimentum, while effective for allergies and sensitivities, can be quite costly, potentially posing a strain for budget-conscious families. Additionally, the formula's availability may vary, sometimes becoming challenging to locate consistently on the shelves.
Enfamil® Sensitive also bears a higher price tag compared to standard formulas, although typically lower than Alimentum. It might not be suitable for infants who are entirely lactose intolerant due to its low lactose but not lactose-free composition.
Conclusion
In summary, both Similac Alimentum and Enfamil® Sensitive Infant Formula cater to specific dietary needs, effectively addressing allergy symptoms and lactose sensitivity, respectively. Similac Alimentum is the go-to for infants with protein allergies, offering a hypoallergenic composition, whereas Enfamil® Sensitive is designed for lactose-sensitive stomachs. Parents should carefully evaluate their baby's nutritional needs when choosing between these options and consider consulting with their pediatrician to ensure the selected formula accommodates their baby's health and well-being requirements.
Sources*
Buy Similac Alimentum Online
Buy Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac Alimentum | +/- | Data | +/- | Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.54 g | 0.24 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.20 g | Carbohydrate | 0.70 | 10.90 g | |
| 2.75 g | 0.55 | Protein | 2.20 g | |
| 800.00 mg | 800.00 | Linoleic Acid | 0 |
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 Sensitive Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105.00 mg | 17.00 | Calcium | -17.00 | 88.00 mg |
| 75.00 mg | 16.00 | Phosphorus | -16.00 | 59.00 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 | 11.00 | Sodium | -11.00 | 33.00 mg |
| 118.00 mg | 8.00 | Potassium | -8.00 | 110.00 mg |
| 80.00 mg | 13.00 | Chloride | -13.00 | 67.00 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 Sensitive Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60.00 IU | -10.00 | Vitamin D | 10.00 | 70.00 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 | -19.00 | Inositol | 19.00 | 24.00 mcg |
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |