FormulaSeek - Similac Alimentum RTF vs Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF


Updated: 12/7/2024


Introduction

Choosing the right infant formula is crucial for ensuring that your baby receives the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development. For parents, the vast selection of formulas can be overwhelming. Among the various options in the market, Similac Alimentum Ready-to-Feed (RTF) and Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF stand out for their specialized features. Both formulas are designed to meet specific infant needs, making the choice between the two important for managing special dietary requirements.

Nutritional Composition

The nutritional composition of infant formulas varies significantly, making it vital to understand what each formula offers. Similac Alimentum RTF is particularly formulated with pre-digested, hydrolyzed casein protein, which is easier on babies with protein sensitivities. In contrast, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF is crafted to be gentle for babies with lactose sensitivity, using a blend of partially hydrolyzed whey protein and other ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at the specific nutritional components of these formulas.

Key Differences

Feature Similac Alimentum RTF Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF
Protein Source Hydrolyzed casein Partially hydrolyzed whey protein
Carbohydrate Source Corn syrup solids Lactose
Fat Source Safflower oil, MCT oil Safflower oil, palm olein oil
Prebiotics/Probiotics No Yes (2’-FL HMO)
Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Yes Yes
Iron Content 1.9 mg/100 kcal 1.9 mg/100 kcal
Calcium Content 78 mg/100 kcal 78 mg/100 kcal
Estimated Cost per Ounce $0.75 (estimated) $0.60 (estimated)
Organic/Non-GMO Non-GMO Non-GMO

Special Features and Benefits

Similac Alimentum RTF stands out for its hydrolyzed protein composition, making it an excellent choice for infants with milk protein allergies or severe colic due to protein sensitivity. The absence of lactose makes it suitable for lactose-intolerant babies. On the other hand, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF includes the addition of 2’-FL HMO prebiotics, which are beneficial for promoting digestive health and potentially boosting the immune system.

Target Audience

Similac Alimentum RTF is ideal for infants who struggle with frequent crying due to a cow's milk protein allergy or sensitivity, as well as those with lactose intolerance. Meanwhile, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF caters to babies dealing with mild lactose sensitivity alongside the desire for gut health support through prebiotics.

Alternatives for Similac Alimentum RTF

  • Enfamil Nutramigen
  • Gerber Extensive HA
  • Earth's Best Sensitivity
  • Happy Baby Sensitive
  • Parent's Choice Hypoallergenic

Alternatives for Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF

  • Enfamil Gentlease
  • Similac Sensitive
  • Gerber Good Start Soothe Pro
  • Earth's Best Gentle
  • Happy Baby Organic Sensitive

Potential Drawbacks

While Similac Alimentum RTF provides a solution for protein sensitivities, its higher cost per ounce may pose a financial burden for some families and its distinct taste might not be appealing to all babies. Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF, though affordable, contains palm olein oil, which may inhibit calcium absorption—a controversial aspect for some parents. Additionally, availability can be an issue for both formulas amidst high demand.

Conclusion

Both Similac Alimentum RTF and Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF offer specialized solutions catering to sensitive digestive systems but serve different needs. Alimentum focuses on babies with severe protein allergies, while 360 Total Care Sensitive is oriented towards easing mild lactose sensitivities and enhancing gut health. Always consult with a pediatrician to determine the most suitable formula for your baby’s unique needs.

Sources*

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Nutrient comparison

Similac Alimentum RTF +/- Data +/- Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF
5.54 g 0.14 Fat 5.40 g
10.20 g Carbohydrate 0.70 10.90 g
2.75 g 0.65 Protein 2.10 g
1900.00 mg 900.00 Linoleic Acid 1000.00 mg

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 +/- Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF
105.00 mg 21.00 Calcium -21.00 84.00 mg
75.00 mg 19.00 Phosphorus -19.00 56.00 mg
7.50 mg 1.50 Magnesium -1.50 6.00 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 3.00 Manganese -3.00 5.00 mcg
75.00 mcg -15.00 Copper 15.00 90.00 mcg
15.00 mcg 0.00 Iodine 0.00 15.00 mcg
2.00 mcg 0.00 Selenium 0.00 2.00 mcg
44.00 mg 14.00 Sodium -14.00 30.00 mg
118.00 mg 11.00 Potassium -11.00 107.00 mg
80.00 mg 15.00 Chloride -15.00 65.00 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 +/- Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF
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 1.50 Vitamin E -1.50 1.50 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 -60.00 Riboflavin (Vit B2) 60.00 150.00 mcg
60.00 mcg 0.00 Vitamin B6 0.00 60.00 mcg
0.45 mcg 0.20 Vitamin B12 -0.20 0.25 mcg
1350.00 mcg 300.00 Niacin -300.00 1050.00 mcg
15.00 mcg 0.00 Folic Acid 0.00 15.00 mcg
750.00 mcg 300.00 Pantothenic Acid -300.00 450.00 mcg
4.50 mcg 0.10 Biotin -0.10 4.40 mcg
9.00 mg 0.00 Vitamin C 0.00 9.00 mg
12.00 mg -12.00 Choline 12.00 24.00 mg
5.00 mg -19.00 Inositol 19.00 24.00 mg