Both Nutramigen and Alimentum formulated to provide your baby with smoother experience during digestion, as the proteins within the formula are already divided into amino acids. Enfamil Nutramigen and Similac Alimentum can also benefit babies who are suffering from eczema or are prematurely born and have difficulties absorbing certain nutrients. The Nutramigen vs Alimentum debate is a heated ongoing one, and here we’ve tried to bring you some clarity.
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Although it is common knowledge that breastfeeding is the preferred method of feeding a baby, and is even encouraged by doctors, not all babies are able to tolerate this organic source of nutrition.
Some may develop reflux, incapability of keeping the milk inside the stomach, whereas others may experience colic and gas; all painful and distressing occurrences for your baby. Alternatively, if you are not breastfeeding and are feeding your baby with good old cow’s milk, the same symptoms may occur.
This may be an indication that your baby is lactose intolerant and is unable to break down the natural proteins in the milk. In such cases, hydrolyzed formulas such as Nutramigen and Alimentum can be used to replace both mother’s and cow’s milk.
Main Differences and Similarities Between Nutramigen and Alimentum?
Although formulated with the same intention, Nutramigen and Alimentum have a few differences. One such difference is that Nutramigen has twice the amount of DHA when compared to Alimentum.
While Nutramigen contains 17mg every 100 calories, Alimentum contains 8mg. DHA is an essential nutrient found naturally in mother’s milk. It aids in maximizing eye and brain health in babies.
The other difference can be seen in the ready-to-feed forms of both formulas. While Nutramigen’s one included corn syrup solids and modified corn starch, Alimentum is corn-free.
Besides sharing the same intentions, Nutramigen and Alimentum have other similarities too. Both are ideal for babies with gluten and lactose intolerances, as they are gluten and lactose-free.
Additionally, both include high amounts of DHA and ARA, essential nutrients to maintain your baby’s eye and brain health.
Review: Enfamil Nutramigen
Clinical studies of the Enfamil Nutramigen have found that it is able to relieve milk-protein allergy and indigestion symptoms in about 48 hours. Working with your baby’s digestive system, this formula has shown to reduce potential future allergies by 50%.
This suggests that it aids your baby to build a strong immune system and a forbearance to the whole proteins within cow’s milk so that you can eventually have a smooth transition to normal milk.
If your baby is suffering from lactose intolerance the Nutramigen formula may be an option as it is lactose-free. Containing the essential nutrients to maintain your baby’s health, the Nutramigen can be used through the first 12 months.
Why Should I Choose Nutramigen?
For mothers who are passionate about breastfeeding and want their babies to benefit from the nutrients that come with it, perhaps it may come as a relief that Nutramigen contains all nutrients that are found in breastmilk.
So, the baby can feed on Nutramigen for the first 12 months without missing out on any essential nutrients vital for the immune system.
Nutramigenis sold in two separate forms: the powdered or the ready-to-feed. The powdered requires some kind of preparation (For directions please see below), whereas the ready-to-feed can be conveniently found in bottles.
If you are a busy mother (and really which mother isn’t?), or perhaps have several babies or an infant, or are a working mother, then you may prefer the ready-to-feed kind.
For babies who are following a vegan diet, there are soy-free Nutramigen products on the market.
Perhaps the best news is that Nutramigen will relieve your baby’s discomfort within about 48 hours after drinking the formula.
If your baby is in need of Nutramigen and is unable to consume cow’s or mother’s milk in the early months, this may
not suggest that they will be using Nutramigen after the first twelve months. Nutramigen aids the baby in slowly building up a tolerance for normal milk.
Nutramigen Ingredients
CORN SYRUP SOLIDS (48%), VEGETABLE OIL (PALM OLEIN, COCONUT, SOY, AND HIGH OLEIC SUNFLOWER OILS) (26%), CASEIN HYDROLYSATE (MILK) (17%)*, MODIFIED CORN STARCH (4%), AND LESS THAN 2%: MORTIERELLA ALPINA OIL†, CRYPTHECODINIUM COHNII OIL‡, LACTOBACILLUS RHAMNOSUS GG§, CALCIUM CITRATE, CALCIUM PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, POTASSIUM CITRATE, SODIUM CITRATE, CALCIUM HYDROXIDE, MAGNESIUM OXIDE, FERROUS SULFATE, ZINC SULFATE, CUPRIC SULFATE, MANGANESE SULFATE, SODIUM IODIDE, SODIUM SELENITE, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, ASCORBIC ACID, NIACINAMIDE, CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, VITAMIN D3, THIAMIN HYDROCHLORIDE, RIBOFLAVIN, VITAMIN B6 HYDROCHLORIDE, FOLIC ACID, VITAMIN K1, BIOTIN, VITAMIN B12, INOSITOL, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, VITAMIN E ACETATE, L-CYSTINE, L-TYROSINE, L-TRYPTOPHAN, TAURINE, L-CARNITINE.
*MODIFIED TO BE BETTER TOLERATED IN MILK-ALLERGIC BABIES
†A SOURCE OF ARACHIDONIC ACID (ARA)
‡A SOURCE OF DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID (DHA)
Disadvantages of Using Nutramigen?
The first of the two drawbacks of Nutramigen is that it does not have a very pleasant taste. Particularly for us parents, the formula may smell like it is out of date. Although most babies take the formula without any issues, some may show signs of disgust, refusing to consume it.
Another drawback is that it is on the pricey side, however, when compared with Alimentum the price difference is not that large at all. You may want to read more on side effects of Nutramigen.
Feeding my Baby with Nutramigen
To feed the formula to your baby after you have prepared it by following the instructions on the container, ensure that you hold your baby in a semi-upright position, with his/her head rested safely against your arm.
To make sure that your baby is not at risk of swallowing air from the empty nipple of the bottle, hold it at a downward angle so that it is constantly filled with the Nutramigen. At this point, touching the nipple onto your baby’s cheek will give them the indication that they are able to feed.
Holes in the nipple may make your baby gulp rapidly, so be alert to any noises coming from your baby. On the other hand, if your baby is sucking excessively onto the nipple, the hole may be too small and restricting the flow of the formula.
During the course of the feeding process, give breaks to burp your baby by gently stroking their backs in circular motions. If your baby refuses to continue feeding by losing interest in the bottle or falling asleep, this is an indication they are full.
Review: Similac Alimentum
The Similac Alimentum is a nutritional, hydrolyzed formula that has shown to reduce allergic reactions identified in babies, such as colic, reflux, and hives.
With its readily digested milk proteins, clinical studies of the formula have revealed that it is able to reduce severe symptoms of indigestion in approximately 24 hours.
It contains all vital nutrients that are found in mother’s milk, and that is essential for the strengthening of the immune system, and the maintaining of the brain and eye health.
Why Should I Choose Alimentum?
Alimentum is close to mother’s milk in terms of nutrients as it contains DHA and Omega-3 fats that are essential in maintaining your baby’s eye and brain health.
Much like Nutrimugen, Alimentum also comes in two forms. There is the powdered and the ready-to-feed one which is sold as a bottle.
If you’re looking for a quick reaction then the Alimentum may be the one that you go for, as it has shown to show effect within 24 hours of consuming.
Keep in mind that Alimentum contains corn, so if your baby has corn-related allergies Nutramigen may be a better option.
Alimentum Ingredients
Corn Maltodextrin (35%), Casein Hydrolysate [Derived from Milk] (18%), Sugar (15%), High Oleic Safflower Oil (10%), Medium-Chain Triglycerides (10%), Soy Oil (8%). Less than 2% of: C. Cohnii Oil, M. Alpina Oil, Calcium Phosphate, DATEM, Potassium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Magnesium Chloride, Monoglycerides, Ascorbic Acid, Salt, L-Cystine Dihydrochloride, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, L-Tyrosine, L-Tryptophan, Choline Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Taurine, m-Inositol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Zinc Sulfate, L-Carnitine, Niacinamide, Mixed Tocopherols, Calcium Pantothenate, Cupric Sulfate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Thiamine Chloride Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Potassium Hydroxide, Phylloquinone, Biotin, Sodium Selenate, Vitamin D3, and Cyanocobalamin.
Disadvantages of Using Alimentum?
Like Nutrimugen, Alimentum is expensive when compared to normal formulas.
Additionally, it shares a similar drawback with Nutrimugen, as it has an off-putting smell which can at times cause the baby to refuse to drink it. However, with a bit of persistence and encouragement, your baby may soon get used to it. More on side effects.
Feeding my Baby with Alimentum
Prior to starting the preparation of your baby’s Alimentum formula by following the direction of the container ensure that your hands are thoroughly washed and that the bottles are sterilized.
Once you have followed the directions carefully and have prepared the Alimentum, make sure that it is consumed within the first hour of preparation if left out. If, however, the formula is prepared and placed in the fridge immediately it can last up to 24 hours.
Final Verdict
To sum up, the debate of whether mothers with baby’s suffering from colic, reflux or the likes is a fiery one, but the clear winner as a result of our extensive research is the Similac Alimentum.
This is primarily because it is an Alimentum formula, which means that it provides a potentially suffering baby with a quicker relief. Another added bonus is that despite all hypoallergenic formulas’ stinking qualities, the SimilacAlimentum Hypoallergenic Infant Formula’s ready-to-feed bottle may be the stinkiest.
How Do You Know It’s Time to Purchase Nutramigen or Alimentum?
If your baby is restless and breaks out into unrelenting tears immediately after you have fed them or frequently throughout the day (particularly if they are crying for more than three hours a day, most days of the week) without visible reason, this may be a sign that they are having trouble digesting the milk you are feeding them.
The good news is (at least in terms of being able to identify a problem) that generally, the baby’s indigestion issues may reflect onto their skin, in the form of rashes and hives, making it easier and quicker for you to identify. On other occasions, they may experience breathing difficulties which you might be able to recognize through their wheezing.
Listening to the noises coming from your baby’s body may also be another way of noticing indigestion. Aggressive noises accompanied by outbreaks of screams and tears may be the signs that your baby is trying to tell you about their discomfort.
It may, in fact, be time to try out a different approach for your baby’s feeding practices in the form of the much easier to digest Nutramigen or Alimentum.
Other more visible symptoms of milk-protein allergy and indigestions of cow’s and mother’s milk may include; watery feces at times dotted with blood, loss of appetite and the inability of keeping food in for very long.
These symptoms due to an inability to digest milk smoothly are most common in children under the age of 3. Most babies suffering from this condition will gradually outgrow it.
As these symptoms may suggest that your baby has lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy it is vital that you visit a doctor before you change your baby’s diet.
