Key Differences Between Enfamil AR and Similac Alimentum
| Features | Enfamil AR | Similac Alimentum |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Designed to address common issues with reflux or spit-up | Formulated to help reduce colic symptoms related to protein sensitivity and mitigate cow’s milk protein allergies |
| Protein Source | 2.5g from nonfat milk | 2.75g from extensively hydrolyzed casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | 11.3g from lactose, maltodextrin, and rice starch | 10.2g from corn maltodextrin, suitable for lactose intolerance |
| Fat Source | Palm olein, coconut, soy, and high oleic sunflower oils with DHA and ARA | High oleic safflower oil, MCT, and soy oil with DHA and ARA, without palm olein |
| Probiotics/Prebiotics | Contains galactooligosaccharides, a prebiotic for a healthy gut biome | Includes 2’-FL HMO, a prebiotic similar to one found in breast milk, supporting immune system and gut health |
| Suitable for babies with… | Reflux and spit-up problems, no difficulties digesting cow’s milk protein, no lactose intolerance | CMPA (cow’s milk protein allergy), lactose intolerance |
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This article will compare two popular formulas designed for sensitive babies in the US: Enfamil AR vs Similac Alimentum.
We will analyze their ingredients and nutritional information to give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
Let’s get started!
Related read: Enfamil AR vs Similac Pro-Total Comfort
Our Short Answer
We cannot choose a winning formula as in other comparisons, as each is designed for a specific need.
Choose Enfamil AR if your baby:
– Suffers from reflux and spit-up.
– Has no difficulty digesting cow’s milk protein and has no allergies
– Is not lactose intolerantChoose Similac Alimentum if your baby:
– Has been diagnosed with CMPA (cow’s milk protein allergy)
– Is lactose intolerantAlways consult a pediatrician to see what type of formula is necessary. Still, if this is not possible, our recommendation is to try Enfamil AR for several days, and if he has symptoms, then switch to Similac Alimentum.
We recommend you read about the alternatives we propose below in the article before making your final decision.
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Overview of the two formulas
Enfamil AR reduces spit-ups with clinically proven rice starch. Provides essential nutrients like Omega-3 DHA and probiotics for immune health. SNAP eligible.
Similac Alimentum is hypoallergenic, breaking down milk proteins to reduce allergic reactions and colic symptoms. Rich in nutrients, including 2’-FL HMO for immune support. Free from major allergens, GMOs, and gluten. Also, SNAP eligible.
Enfamil AR
Enfamil AR is an infant formula that’s been carefully designed to reduce spit-ups. If you’ve noticed your baby often spits up their formula, this could be a great choice for you. It includes a rice starch that’s been clinically proven to reduce frequent spit-up by over 50% in just one week.
Enfamil AR is much more than just a formula designed for reducing spit-up, though. It contains all the nutrients your little one needs for their first year, like Omega-3 DHA for brain and eye development. Plus, it offers a blend of probiotics and vitamins for immune health.
This infant formula is SNAP eligible, meaning you could purchase it with your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
Similac Alimentum
On the other hand, there’s Similac Alimentum. This formula is an excellent option for babies who show an allergic reaction to cow’s milk protein.
This formula is hypoallergenic and breaks milk proteins into tiny pieces to eliminate allergic reactions in most babies.
Moreover, Similac Alimentum can start reducing colic symptoms due to protein sensitivity in most infants within 24 hours of use.
Like Enfamil AR, Similac Alimentum is also rich in nutrients–including 2’-FL HMO, an immune-nourishing ingredient. This formula is free from major allergens, GMOs, and gluten, making it an inclusive choice for many families.
Also, it’s becoming increasingly available for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Nutritional Composition
Enfamil AR has 2.5g protein from nonfat milk, while Similac Alimentum has 2.75g from extensively hydrolyzed casein.
AR uses lactose, maltodextrin, and rice starch for 11.3g carbs, and Alimentum has 10.2g from corn maltodextrin, suitable for lactose intolerance.
AR contains fats from palm olein, coconut, soy, and high oleic sunflower oils with DHA and ARA.
Alimentum uses high oleic safflower oil, MCT, and soy oil with DHA and ARA, without palm olein, making it better in terms of fat content.
Protein Content
Enfamil AR
Each serving of Enfamil AR contains 2.5 grams of protein derived from nonfat milk. This animal source of protein is excellent for your baby’s growth and development as it contains all 9 essential amino acids your little one needs.
Similac Alimentum
Similac Alimentum also provides a good dose of protein at 2.75 grams per serving, derived from casein hydrolysate. This protein has been broken down into simpler forms to make it easier for your baby’s system to absorb and process, which is particularly helpful for babies with allergies to cow’s milk protein.
The main difference in protein is that Similac Alimentum is extensively hydrolyzed, meaning its protein is almost entirely pre-digested so babies can process it without issues.
*Learn more: Partially vs Extensively hydrolyzed formulas
Enfamil AR uses full proteins from skimmed milk, the common source of protein in conventional formulas.
Carbohydrate Content
Enfamil AR
Enfamil AR has 11.3 grams of carbs per serving, sourced from lactose and maltodextrin. The addition of rice starch helps thicken the formula to reduce spit-up and aid digestion.
Similac Alimentum
In Similac Alimentum, the carb content is slightly lower at 10.2 grams per serving. Its primary carb source is corn maltodextrin, a carbohydrate that is easily digestible and can provide a good source of energy for your baby.
Enfamil AR includes a small quantity of lactose + maltodextrin and rice starch. This blend thickens the formula, improving conditions like reflux and spit-up.
Alimentum uses corn maltodextrin exclusively, avoiding lactose. This is perfect for babies with lactose intolerance, and corn maltodextrin is a better option than corn syrup solids, like other formulas in the US use.
Even though lactose is what we would want in an ordinary formula, for being the carbohydrate we find in breastmilk, for babies with digestive issues, it’s better avoided.
Fats and Oils
Enfamil AR
Enfamil AR provides a substantial 5.1 grams of fat per serving, primarily sourced from a blend of vegetable oils that include palm olein, coconut, soy, and high oleic sunflower oils. Moreover, it contains Mortierella Alpina Oil and Crypthecodinium Cohnii Oil, which are sources of important fatty acids crucial for brain development.
Similac Alimentum
Similac Alimentum includes 5.54 grams of fats per serving. The fats are high oleic safflower oil, medium-chain triglycerides, and soy oil. It is dedicated to brain development and includes oils derived from M. Alpina and Schizochytrium sp., providing crucial fatty acids like DHA.
Both formulas add DHA and ARA (Omegas 3 and 6), but Enfamil AR uses palm olein, an ingredient linked with poor calcium absorption, and Similac Alimentum does not.
This is why Alimentum wins in terms of fat content.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Enfamil AR contains galactooligosaccharides as a prebiotic, promoting a healthy gut biome and improving digestion and immune health.
Similac Alimentum includes 2′-Fucosyllactose (2’FL), a prebiotic similar to one found in human breast milk, supporting immune system and gut health.
Enfamil AR
This formula is enriched with galactooligosaccharides, a type of prebiotic. These non-digestible carbohydrates help increase the number of beneficial bacteria in your baby’s gut to improve digestive health. Ensuring a healthy gut biome can not only improve digestion but also bolster your baby’s immune system.
Similac Alimentum
Similac Alimentum, on the other hand, contains 2′-Fucosyllactose (2’FL), a prebiotic very similar to one found in human breast milk. This specific prebiotic has been associated with various health benefits, such as supporting a developing immune system and gut health.
Best Places to Buy Enfamil AR and Similac Alimentum
Enfamil AR
Similac Alimentum
Buy Similac Alimentum at Target
Buy Similac Alimentum at Walmart
What are the best alternatives to Enfamil AR and Similac Alimentum?
Even though Enfamil Anti-Reflux and Similac Alimentum are good formulas, there are better options, in our opinion. Here are our favorites:
For Enfamil AR, the top alternatives are:
Hipp AR: This formula also aids in reducing spit-ups just like Enfamil AR. However, it stands out due to its organic ingredients. It’s a wonderful natural option to support your baby’s digestive health.
Hipp Comfort: Although this product doesn’t directly aim at reducing spit-ups, it’s a great alternative as it is also gentle on baby’s stomach, thanks to its prebiotic and probiotic blend. Plus, it’s made with organic ingredients. *Read: Hipp AR vs Comfort
For Similac Alimentum:
- Hipp HA: This hypoallergenic formula is designed specifically for babies with allergies, much like Similac Alimentum. What separates Hipp HA is its organic ingredients and the impressive prebiotic and probiotic blend, which fosters a healthy digestive system for your little one. *Read: Hipp HA vs Gentlease
Last Words
We sincerely hope this comparison between Enfamil AR and Similac Alimentum has helped you make a decision.
We strongly encourage you to read about the alternatives above before deciding.
If you have extra questions, leave a comment or contact us, and we’ll be happy to help you.
Happy feeding!
We’re Maria and Alberto, a married couple and educators who are nutrition enthusiasts. Even before we had kids, we were already crazy about nutrition.
We’d read scientific articles, watch videos from nutritionists, and spend hours listening to nutrition podcasts.
Today, we continue doing this, but in a different way, as we’ve learned to sift through the noise and trends. Nutrition, like any other field of knowledge, the more you read and learn, the more you develop a comprehensive understanding of reality, and that’s what has happened to us.
Before having our first child, we focused on learning everything we could about child nutrition, using the same techniques we had already employed, backed by our extensive knowledge in nutrition.
Our mission is to help other parents with their children’s nutrition, to help them become the best versions of themselves.
If we are what we eat and drink, which is absolutely true, let’s do it right!
