Key Differences Table Between Similac Total Comfort and Alimentum
| Feature | Similac Total Comfort | Similac Alimentum |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Corn Maltodextrin, Whey Protein Hydrolysate | Corn Maltodextrin, Casein Hydrolysate |
| Protein Source | Partially Hydrolyzed Protein | Extensively Hydrolyzed Protein |
| Fat Source | High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil | High Oleic Safflower Oil, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Soy Oil |
| Designed For | Delicate Tummies, Lactose Sensitivity | Colic Due to Protein Sensitivity and Allergies |
| Probiotics/Prebiotics | Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharides (Prebiotic) | 2’-FL HMO (Prebiotic) |
| Immune Nourishing Ingredients | DHA, Lutein, Vitamin E | 2’-FL HMO, DHA, Lutein, Vitamin E |
| Hypoallergenic | No | Yes |
| Lactose | Low Lactose (98% free) | Lactose-Free |
| Reduces Colic Symptoms | No Specific Claim | Yes (particular to protein sensitivity) |
This article compares two Similac formulas for babies with sensitivities: Total Comfort vs Alimentum.
We will analyze their ingredients and nutritional compositions to help you choose the best option for your little one.
Let’s get after it!
Related reads: Similac Total Comfort vs Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease | Similac Alimentum vs Nutramigen
Our Short Answer
In this comparison it is not possible to choose one formula over the other, as it will depend on your baby’s needs.
This is our personal recommendation.
Choose Similac Alimentum if:
- Your baby is diagnosed with CMPA
- Your baby is lactose intolerant
Choose Similac Total Comfort if:
- Your baby has digestive sensitivities due to lactose or cow’s milk protein, but is not allergic.
On paper, both formulas are very similar in ingredients, Total Comfort having a better fat source by including coconut oil, and Alimentum better prebiotics thanks to adding 2′-FL HMO.
Apart from these differences, the formulas are very similar.
*We recommend you to learn more about the alternatives mentioned below before making a decision.
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Overview of the Two Formulas
Similac Total Comfort, for delicate tummies and lactose sensitivity, features partially hydrolyzed protein and prebiotics for easier digestion and immune support.
Similac Alimentum, for colic due to protein sensitivity, has extensively hydrolyzed protein and 2’-FL HMO prebiotic, quickly alleviating colic symptoms.
Similac Total Comfort
Similac Total Comfort is designed for infants with delicate tummies, particularly those who have trouble digesting other types of milk-based formulas or have lactose sensitivity.
This formula features partially hydrolyzed protein, which means the protein molecules are broken down into smaller sizes, making it easier for babies to digest.
It is a gentler option that includes prebiotics to foster soft stools and also contains Similac’s OptiGRO blend, which supports overall growth and brain, eye, and immune system development.
Similac Alimentum
Similac Alimentum is a hypoallergenic formula for infants with colic symptoms due to protein sensitivity.
The protein in Alimentum is extensively hydrolyzed, breaking it down even more than the Total Comfort formula, making it suitable for infants allergic to cow’s milk protein.
Additionally, it contains 2’-FL HMO, a prebiotic that helps nourish the immune system. Due to its protein composition, the formula also starts reducing colic symptoms in most babies within 24 hours.
Nutritional Composition
Similac Total Comfort uses partially hydrolyzed whey protein for easier digestion, while Alimentum has extensively hydrolyzed casein, suitable for cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA).
Total Comfort is 98% lactose-free, and Alimentum is 100% lactose-free, catering to varying lactose tolerances.
Both have similar fat blends, with Total Comfort including beneficial coconut oil.
Protein Content
- Similac Total Comfort: Utilizes partially hydrolyzed whey protein to be gentle on infants’ tummies.
- Alimentum: Has casein hydrolysate, an extensively hydrolyzed protein that is typically well-tolerated by infants with cow’s milk allergy.
There is a very important difference in protein content between both formulas. Total Comfort uses partially hydrolyzed, meaning it is suitable for babies with difficulties digesting cow’s milk protein. However, Alimentum goes one step further by using extensively hydrolyzed protein, which makes it suitable for babies with CMPA (cow’s milk protein allergy)
Learn more: Partially vs Extensively Hydrolyzed Formulas
Carbohydrate Content
- Similac Total Comfort: Carbohydrates are primarily derived from corn maltodextrin.
- Alimentum: Also uses corn maltodextrin as a carbohydrate source, but is distinct in being lactose-free.
Another important difference is carb content.
Total Comfort has corn maltodextrin, and it is 98% lactose-free. This means that it is easier to digest for infants who have mild tolerance symptoms such as fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity.
Alimentum, however, is 100% lactose-free, which makes it suitable for babies with severe lactose intolerances.
Fats and Oils
- Similac Total Comfort: Contains a blend of high oleic safflower, soy, and coconut oil.
- Alimentum: Includes high oleic safflower oil and medium-chain triglycerides, often used in hypoallergenic formulas to ensure fat absorption in babies with digestive issues.
Both formulas are fairly similar in their fat blends.
Total Comfort uses coconut oil, one of the best vegetable oils for infant formula. Apart from that, there are no other tangible differences.
Nutrient Composition Comparison
| Nutrient | Similac Total Comfort | Alimentum |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 100 CAL | 100 CAL |
| Volume, mL | 148 mL | 148 mL |
| Protein, g | 2.32 g | 2.75 g |
| Fat, g | 5.4 g | 5.54 g |
| Carbohydrate, g | 10.7 g | 10.2 g |
| Water, g | 133 g | 133 g |
| Linoleic Acid, mg | 1000 mg | 800 mg |
| Vitamin A, IU | 300 IU | 300 IU |
| Vitamin D, IU | 60 IU | 60 IU |
| Vitamin E, IU | 1.5 IU | 3 IU |
| Vitamin K, mcg | 8 mcg | 8 mcg |
| Thiamin (Vitamin B1), mcg | 100 mcg | 60 mcg |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), mcg | 150 mcg | 90 mcg |
| Vitamin B6, mcg | 60 mcg | 60 mcg |
| Vitamin B12, mcg | 0.25 mcg | 0.45 mcg |
| Niacin, mcg | 1050 mcg | 1350 mcg |
| Folic Acid (Folacin), mcg | 15 mcg | 15 mcg |
| Pantothenic Acid, mcg | 450 mcg | 750 mcg |
| Biotin, mcg | 4.4 mcg | 4.5 mcg |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), mg | 9 mg | 9 mg |
| Choline, mg | 24 mg | 12 mg |
| Inositol, mg | 24 mg | 5 mg |
| Calcium, mg | 105 mg | 105 mg |
| Calcium, mEq | 5.3 mEq | 5.2 mEq |
| Phosphorus, mg | 75 mg | 75 mg |
| Magnesium, mg | 6 mg | 7.5 mg |
| Iron, mg | 1.8 mg | 1.8 mg |
| Zinc, mg | 0.75 mg | 0.75 mg |
| Manganese, mcg | 5 mcg | 8 mcg |
| Copper, mcg | 90 mcg | 75 mcg |
| Iodine, mcg | 15 mcg | 15 mcg |
| Selenium, mcg | 2 mcg | 2 mcg |
| Sodium, mg | 44 mg | 44 mg |
| Sodium, mEq | 1.9 mEq | 1.9 mEq |
| Potassium, mg | 118 mg | 118 mg |
| Potassium, mEq | 3 mEq | 3.0 mEq |
| Chloride, mg | 65 mg | 80 mg |
| Chloride, mEq | 1.8 mEq | 2.3 mEq |
Prebiotics and Probiotics
The role of probiotics and prebiotics in infant nutrition is to support healthy gut flora.
Similac Total Comfort contains prebiotics as short-chain fructooligosaccharides, while Alimentum boasts 2’-FL HMO, an HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharides), which also acts as a prebiotic and enhances immunity.
*Learn more: HMOs in Baby Formula
What are the Best Alternatives to Similac Total Comfort and Alimentum?
If your baby has CMPA, Alimentum is your only option, but if it’s a problem of sensitivities, your baby will be better off with more natural and organic formulas. For babies with digestive issues, Hipp is the brand we usually recommend, thanks to using organic ingredients and having a powerful blend of prebiotics and probiotics to aid digestion:
- Hipp AR: A formula designed to reduce spit-up and reflux, which can be a concern for some babies.
- Hipp Comfort: This formula is tailored for infants experiencing digestion-related issues like colic, constipation, and gas.
- Hipp HA: Stands for hypoallergenic; this formula is intended for babies at higher risk for allergies and is made with hydrolyzed proteins.
*Read more comparisons: Hipp AR vs Comfort | Hipp Comfort vs HA | Hipp vs Similac
Best Places to Buy Total Comfort and Alimentum
Total Comfort
Alimentum
Last Words
We hope this comparison between Total Comfort and Alimentum helps you make the best decision for your baby.
If you need any extra help, please contact us or leave a comment and we’ll answer in less than 24 hours.
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!
