FormulaSeek - Similac Alimentum RTF vs Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents who cannot breastfeed or decide to bottle-feed their babies. Infant formulas are designed to mimic breast milk as closely as possible, providing essential nutrients for a baby's growth and development. Among many choices, Similac Alimentum Ready-to-Feed (RTF) and Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula stand out due to their unique formulations and targeted benefits. In this blog post, we will explore the nutritional profiles, key differences, and special features of these two formulas, helping you make an informed decision.
Nutritional Composition
Both Similac Alimentum RTF and Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula aim to provide comprehensive nutrition, but they do so with different ingredient compositions.
Similac Alimentum RTF is specifically designed for infants with food allergies and includes hydrolyzed casein protein, making it easier to digest. This formula uses corn maltodextrin as a carbohydrate source and a combination of medium-chain triglycerides, linoleic and safflower oil for fats. It is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, although it lacks the added prebiotics or probiotics.
Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula, on the other hand, is certified organic and uses lactose as its primary carbohydrate. The protein comes from a blend of casein and whey, offering balanced nutrition. The fat source includes coconut oil, palm olein, and safflower oil, and it also incorporates prebiotics to promote gut health. Additionally, this formula contains DHA and ARA, essential for brain and eye development.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Alimentum RTF | Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Hydrolyzed Casein | Whey & Casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn Maltodextrin | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Safflower, MCT, Linoleic Oil | Coconut, Palm Olein, Safflower Oil |
| Prebiotics/Probiotics | None | Prebiotics Available |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) | Not Included | Included |
| Iron Content | 1.9 mg/100 Calories | 1.8 mg/100 Calories |
| Calcium Content | 78 mg/100 Calories | 82 mg/100 Calories |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approx. $0.50 | Approx. $0.40 |
| Organic/Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Organic & Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Alimentum RTF is uniquely formulated for infants with severe food allergies and those with colic due to protein sensitivity. The hydrolyzed protein is broken down into smaller pieces, which can help reduce allergic reactions.
Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula offers an organic option with DHA and ARA, essential nutrients for cognitive and vision development. The inclusion of prebiotics aids in maintaining digestive health and supports a healthy immune system.
Target Audience
Similac Alimentum RTF is best suited for babies who have difficulty digesting standard protein formulations, including those with milk allergy and severe colic symptoms.
Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula is ideal for parents seeking an organic option with added benefits for digestive and cognitive health. Babies without specific dietary restrictions may benefit from this balanced formula.
Alternatives
Similac Alimentum RTF Alternatives
- Enfamil Nutramigen
- Gerber Extensive HA
- Parent's Choice Hypoallergenic
- EleCare Infant Formula
- PurAmino Hypoallergenic
Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula Alternatives
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Plum Organics Grow Well Organic Infant Formula
- Baby's Only Organic Dairy Formula
- Similac Organic Infant Formula
- Enfamil Premium Non-GMO Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Similac Alimentum RTF is significantly more expensive compared to standard formulas, and some parents might find its availability limited. It also lacks additional nutrients such as DHA and ARA.
Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula, while affordable and organic, may not be suitable for infants with lactose intolerance or sensitive digestion. The formula's use of palm olein as a fat source can also be controversial due to potential absorption issues.
Conclusion
Choosing the right infant formula requires consideration of the baby's health needs, nutritional content, and cost factors. Similac Alimentum RTF is a valuable option for babies with protein sensitivity and allergies, offering a specialized formulation. Meanwhile, Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula provides an organic alternative with essential nutrients for cognitive and digestive health. In any scenario, it is highly recommended that parents discuss with a pediatrician before making a formula choice to ensure it meets their baby's unique nutritional needs.
Sources*
Buy Similac Alimentum RTF Online
Buy Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac Alimentum RTF | +/- | 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 | |
| 1900.00 mg | 1150.00 | 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 RTF | +/- | 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 RTF | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 45.00 IU | -15.00 | Vitamin D | 15.00 | 60.00 IU |
| 3.00 IU | 1.00 | Vitamin E | -1.00 | 2.00 IU |
| 15.00 mcg | 7.00 | Vitamin K | -7.00 | 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 |