Similac Alimentum vs Nutramigen: Which Formula Is Better?

Key Differences Between Similac Alimentum and Nutramigen

	Similac Alimentum	Enfamil Nutramigen
Formula Type	Hypoallergenic	Hypoallergenic
Protein Source	Extensively Hydrolyzed casein (2.75g per 5 fl oz)	Extensively Hydrolyzed casein (2.8g per 5 fl oz)
Carb Source	Corn maltodextrin (10.2g per 5 fl oz)	Corn syrup solids (10.3g per 5 fl oz)
Fat Source	High oleic safflower oil, medium-chain triglycerides, soy oil	Palm olein, coconut oil, soy oil, high oleic sunflower oils
Probiotics/Prebiotics	Contains 2′-FL HMO prebiotic	Contains LGG probiotic
Palm Oil	No	Yes
Alternatives	Hipp HA, Hipp Comfort, Anti-Reflux, Kendamil Goat, Nannycare	Hipp HA, Hipp Comfort, Anti-Reflux, Kendamil Goat, Nannycare

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This article will compare two hypoallergenic formulas: Similac Alimentum vs Enfamil Nutramigen.

We will analyze their ingredients and nutritional compositions to give you the necessary information to make the best decision for your baby.

Let’s get after it!

*Related: Similac Alimentum vs Enfamil Gentlease | Enfamil Sensitive vs Similac Sensitive

Our Short Answer

Both formulas are designed for the same type of baby, so whichever one you choose will help your baby with his allergies.

With that said, here is our to-the-point answer:

Similac Alimentum Pros
– No palm olein
– Has corn maltodextrin instead of corn syrup solids
– Has the prebiotic 2′-FL HMO, which is very beneficial for babies’ microbiota.

Pros of Enfamil Nutramigen
– Contains LGG, a probiotic that helps regulate the health of the digestive system

Which one would we choose? Similac Alimentum

The benefits of Alimentum outweigh those of Nutramigen.

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Overview of the Two Formulas

Similac Alimentum: Hypoallergenic formula, proteins hydrolyzed to reduce allergic reactions. No major allergens, easy to digest, contains 2′-FL HMO, and eligible for SNAP benefits.

Enfamil Nutramigen: Hypoallergenic and lactose-free formula, extensively hydrolyzed casein protein. Includes LGG probiotics for gut health, a fast improvement from colic, and manages cow’s milk allergy.

Similac Alimentum

Similac Alimentum is a hypoallergenic formula for infants with food allergies, including cow’s milk protein allergy. The formula’s proteins are broken down into tiny fragments (hydrolyzed) to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. 

*Read: Hydrolyzed Baby Formulas

Some highlights about Similac Alimentum include:

• It doesn’t contain any of the nine major allergens, making it a safe choice for most babies.

• It’s easy to digest and is made to reduce colic symptoms linked to protein sensitivity.

• It boasts a unique ingredient, 2′-FL HMO, an immune-nourishing component in breast milk.

• It can also be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in selected stores.

Enfamil Nutramigen

Moving on to Enfamil Nutramigen, from the makers of Enfamil, this is another hypoallergenic and lactose-free formula designed for infants with food allergies. The extensively hydrolyzed casein protein in Nutramigen reduces the exposure to potential allergens, lessening the chances of an allergic reaction.

Here are some notable points about Enfamil Nutramigen:

• It includes the probiotic LGG, which supports healthy gut function, digestion, and a balanced immune system.

• It works fast, with 90% of infants showing improvement from colic due to cow’s milk allergy within 48 hours.

• It works towards managing cow’s milk allergy and reducing the chance of future allergies.

• The formula also contains Omega-3 DHA, a nutrient in breast milk that contributes to your baby’s brain and eye development. *Read: DHA and ARA in Baby Formula

Nutritional Composition

Similac Alimentum: Protein from casein hydrolysate (2.75g per 5 fl oz). Carbohydrates from corn maltodextrin (10.2g per 5 fl oz). Fats from high oleic safflower oil, medium-chain triglycerides, and soy oil.

Enfamil Nutramigen: Protein from hydrolyzed casein (2.8g per 5 fl oz). Carbohydrates from corn syrup solids (10.3g per 5 fl oz). Fats from palm olein, coconut oil, soy oil, and high oleic sunflower oils, added extra DHA and ARA from Mortierella Alpina and Crypthecodinium Cohnii oils.

Protein Content

Similac Alimentum
The primary source of protein in Similac Alimentum is casein hydrolysate derived from milk. For every 5 fluid ounces prepared, Similac Alimentum provides 2.75 grams of protein equivalent. Hydrolyzation breaks down the casein protein, making it easier for babies with food allergies or sensitivity to digest.

Enfamil Nutramigen
Enfamil Nutramigen also uses hydrolyzed casein as its protein source; however, it provides slightly more protein per serving than Similac Alimentum – 2.8 grams in each 5-fluid-ounce serving. This extensive hydrolysis reduces the allergic reaction in cow’s milk allergy babies.

Both formulas are extensively hydrolyzed, which means they are designed for babies with severe cow’s milk protein allergies. 

There are no important differences in terms of protein content.

Carbohydrate Content

Similac Alimentum
Similac Alimentum uses corn maltodextrin as its primary carbohydrate source, giving your baby 10.2 grams of total carbohydrates for every 5 fluid ounce serving. Corn maltodextrin is an easily digestible, complex carbohydrate that provides steady, slow-release energy.

Enfamil Nutramigen
The main source of carbohydrates in Enfamil Nutramigen is corn syrup solids, providing 10.3 grams per 5 fluid ounce serving, slightly more than Similac Alimentum. Corn syrup solids are an easily digestible carbohydrate source intended to mimic the carbohydrate content in breast milk.

Similac Alimentum has one distinct advantage: it uses corn maltodextrin instead of corn syrup solids.

Corn maltodextrin is a better alternative to lactose as it has less simple sugar content, which makes it less sweet.

If lactose is not an option, which is the case in these hypoallergenic formulas, the best alternative is organic, non-GMO maltodextrin. In the case of Similac Alimentum, it is not organic, but it is non-GMO.

Learn more:

• Maltodextrin in Baby Formula
• Corn Syrup in Baby Formula

Fats and Oils

Similac Alimentum
Similac Alimentum derives its fat content from high oleic safflower, medium-chain triglycerides, and soy oil. 

Enfamil Nutramigen
The fats in Enfamil Nutramigen come from palm olein, coconut, soy, and high oleic sunflower oils. Nutramigen adds bonuses of Omega-3 DHA and ARA sourced from Mortierella Alpina and Crypthecodinium Cohnii oils, respectively. 

Nutramigen has the advantage of adding higher quantities of DHA and ARA to its formula regarding fat content.

However, it also adds palm olein, a more processed version of palm oil, a controversial ingredient.

Palm oil is a source of fat that shares qualities with some fatty acids in breast milk, but it can also hinder calcium absorption (although this occurs when large amounts are consumed). 

Learn more: Palm Oil in Baby Formula

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Enfamil Nutramigen: Contains the probiotic LGG for digestive health and a balanced immune system.

Similac Alimentum: Features the prebiotic 2′-FL HMO, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria—no added probiotics.

A notable difference between the two formulas is the addition of probiotics.

Probiotics, found in Enfamil Nutramigen, are live bacteria that promote a healthy gut environment. Nutramigen includes LGG, a clinically studied probiotic strain that supports digestive health and a balanced immune system.

On the other hand, Similac Alimentum does not contain added probiotics. However, it features a unique prebiotic called 2′-FL HMO, also found in breast milk. Prebiotics are fibers that feed and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Best Places to Buy Similac Alimentum and Nutramigen

Alimentum

Buy Similac Alimentum at Target

Buy Similac Alimentum at Walmart

Nutramigen

Buy Nutramigen at Target 

Buy Nutramigen at Walmart

What are the best alternatives to Similac Alimentum and Nutramigen?

Hypoallergenic Category: Our top pick is Hipp HA. *Read: Hipp HA vs Alimentum | Hipp HA vs Nutramigen

• Like Similac Alimentum and Enfamil Nutramigen, it contains hydrolyzed protein, making it ideal for babies with allergies.

• It is organic and free from artificial additives, offering an excellent nutritional profile.

For Babies with Intolerances or Digestive Issues: Hipp Comfort or Anti-Reflux are great choices. *Read: Hipp Comfort vs Anti-Reflux

• These formulas contain modified ingredients like reduced lactose or easy-to-digest milk protein, making them gentler on the baby’s stomach.

For Babies Struggling to Digest Cow’s Milk Protein: Consider goat milk formulas like Kendamil Goat or Nannycare. *Read: Kendamil Goat vs Nannycare

• These are rich in nutrients and easier to digest than cow’s milk, serving as a good substitute.

Last Words

We sincerely hope this comparison between Similac Alimentum and Nutramigen has helped you make an informed decision for your baby.

Remember, introducing a hypoallergenic formula should be done gradually and always after consulting your pediatrician before making any sudden changes.

See you around!