Nutramigen Vs Alimentum [2023 Review] (2023)

Are you trying to decide betweenNutramigen vs Alimentumhypoallergenic formula for an infant with a protein allergy?

Then let us help you decide which is best formula for you and your baby with ourSimilac Alimentum vs Nutramigenreview!

While some babies will happily guzzle down any formula, for others, it’s not quite so simple. Cow’s milk protein allergy is a surprisingly common allergy in young babies, and it prevents the body from breaking down certain proteins.

This is a tricky allergy to deal with, because milk proteins form the basis of many popular formula brands.

Hypoallergenic formulas, such as Enfamil Nutramigen and Similac Alimentum, use broken down proteins for easier digestion. But which is right for your family?

We’ve taken a close look at Enfamil Nutramigen vs Similac Alimentum, to see how the hypoallergenic formulas compare including their features, pros, and cons.

And if you love thisreview on the difference between Nutramigen and Alimentum, then make sure to check out our guides onSimilac Pro Total Comfort Vs Pro Sensitive,Enfamil Gentlease vs Similac Sensitive,Enfamil Sensitive Vs GentleaseandEnfamil Gentlease vs Neuropro!

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Nutramigen Vs Alimentum

Let’s start by seeing what makes Nutramigen and Alimentum special.

All About Enfamil Nutramigen

Created by Enfamil, Nutramigen is a hypoallergenic formula designed to manage symptoms of a cow’s milk protein allergy.

Nutramigen is a complete feed, offering nutritional support for infants with digestive sensitivities.

Nutramigen uses hydrolyzed proteins, which have been pre-digested to avoid triggering an allergic response. In just 48 hours, Nutramigen can reduce colicky symptoms, and provide relief from an allergic reaction.

Enfamil has also packed the Nutramigen formula with plenty of nutrients. It contains LGG, a friendly bacteria that strengthens the immune system, and can help develop a cow’s milk protein tolerance.

Nutramigen also uses DHA and ARA, nutrients that support brain and eye development.

An effective and quick working formula, Nutramigen can reduce the risk of future allergies while tackling digestive problems.

However, it is expensive. It also has a strong taste, which many babies find unpleasant. The formula might work quickly, but expect a slight struggle to get your baby to eat it!

Pros

• Hypoallergenic, thanks to hydrolyzed proteins that are easy for the body to digest.
• Contains LGG, a friendly bacteria for improving immunity.
• Gets to work in just 48 hours.
• Contains DHA and ARA, nutrients for healthy brain and eye development.
• Lactose free, and suitable for babies with lactose sensitivity.

Cons

• Expensive.
• A strong taste that can take time to adjust to.

All About Similac Alimentum

A hypoallergenic infant formula from Similac, Alimentum is designed for babies with food allergies and colic caused by protein sensitivity. Similac Alimentum is a complete feed, containing all the nutrients your little one needs.

Alimentum is made using hydrolyzed proteins. These have already been broken down, so the body can digest the proteins easily.

Within just 24 hours, Alimentum can reduce colicky symptoms caused by an allergic reaction.

Alimentum is a hypoallergenic formula that offers a complete feed and all around support for growing infants.

It’s made using 2’-FL HMO, a prebiotic that supports the developing immune system. It’s also packed with DHA, vitamin E, and lutein, for healthy brain and eye development.

The biggest disadvantage to Alimentum is the price. This is an expensive formula, which is expected from a hypoallergenic formula.

It also has a strong, slightly bitter taste. It will often take some time to get used to the taste, which can be off-putting.

Pros

• Hypoallergenic, thanks to hydrolyzed proteins that are easy for the body to digest.
• Gets to work in just 24 hours.
• Contains 2’-FL HMO, a prebiotic that nourishes the immune system.
• Contains DHA, lutein, and vitamin E, nutrients for healthy brain and eye development.
• No palm olein oil, for better calcium absorption.

Cons

• Expensive.
• A strong taste that can take time to adjust to.

Similarities And differences between Nutramigen and Alimentum

There are some big similarities between Enfamil Nutramigen and Similac Alimentum. In this section, we’ll explore the similarities and differences that will help you make your choice.

Hypoallergenic

Diary and protein allergies can be a huge problem with young infants. Most formulas come with a nutrient-rich blend of proteins, and finding a formula suited for your baby’s needs will often take time.

Nutramigen and Alimentum are both designed for babies struggling with an allergy to cow’s milk protein.

This protein is known as casein, and a cow’s milk allergy isn’t the same as a lactose sensitivity.

If you check out the ingredients, you might notice that both these formulas still contain casein. So, how are they suitable for allergy sufferers?

These formulas are safe for allergies because they use hydrolyzed casein proteins. These are proteins that have already been broken down, easing the digestion process.

Because the proteins are essentially already digested, the tummy doesn’t have to do the hard work! Meal times can become much more comfortable.

And because the protein is still included, it can help your little one outgrow their allergy! Most children with a cow’s milk allergy outgrow it by age 5, and ingesting hydrolyzed casein can help them develop a tolerance.

Nutramigen and Alimentum are also both suitable for babies with a lactose sensitivity.

Quick Acting

If you’re considering using Nutramigen or Alimentum, then it’s probably because you’ve had problems with other formulas.

You might have tried sensitive formulas, and found that they just don’t work, which is why you need a specialist option. The search for the right formula can take some time!

Thankfully, both Nutramigen and Alimentum are designed to get to work fast. Thanks to those broken down proteins, the body can quickly respond to the new formula.

Alimentum claims to reduce colicky symptoms in just 24 hours, whereas Nutramigen claims to offer a noticeable difference in 48 hours.

One of the many advantages to a quick acting formula is that you can soon tell if it’s right for your little one. In just a few days, you know if it’s time to try something else.

2’-FL HMO (And Other Nutrients)

Knowing that the formula is safe for your little one’s stomach is a key concern, but it isn’t the only point to consider.

Let’s take a look at the nutrients that make these formulas a complete feed, starting with Similac Alimentum.

Alongside a complex blend of nutrients, Similac Alimentum uses 2’-FL Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO). 2’-FL HMO is a prebiotic found in breast milk that’s been shown to support the development of a healthy immune system.

Alimentum also contains the Similac special blend of lutein, vitamin E, and DHA. These three nutrients help brain and eye development, and are also found in breast milk.

It’s also worth noting some of the things Alimentum leaves out. This formula contains no artificial growth hormones, and no palm olein oil.

Palm olein oil can limit the absorption of calcium, and by leaving this ingredient out, Alimentum supports the growth of strong bones.

Probiotic LGG (And Other Nutrients)

Enfamil Nutramigen is designed to provide your little one with all the nutrition your growing infant needs.

It’s made using Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), a friendly bacteria that has been extensively studied. LGG has been shown to support digestion, and to boost immune health.

LGG can also help strengthen the response to allergens such as cows’ milk protein. By enjoying Nutramigen with LGG, your little one might be able to transition back to standard formulas, quicker.

Nutramigen also contains DHA and ARA, breast milk nutrients that support the development of the brain and eyes.

Unlike Alimentum, Nutramigen doesn’t contain added table sugar. Instead, it uses corn syrup solids to provide carbohydrates and sugars.

Some parents prefer corn syrup solids as a carbohydrate source, but it can also trigger allergies.

Taste

Specialty formulas tend to have a stronger taste than traditional formulas, and that’s true of both Nutramigen and Alimentum.

You’ll often find it takes some time for your little one to adjust to the taste, and they might even refuse the bottle at first.

This can be frustrating, but it’s a common problem with specialty formulas, and it isn’t exclusive to these brands.

If you need a hypoallergenic formula, then it’s going to have a stronger flavor. It might take some time for your child to get used to the taste, but stick with it, and you’ll see the benefits.

The reason for the bad taste is the hydrolyzed proteins. Breaking these proteins down results in a bitter taste, lacking the sweetness of traditional formulas.

Price

Nutramigen and Alimentum do have one frustrating similarity: the price. As specialty formulas, these are more expensive than your standard formula.

Overall, Alimentum tends to be the more expensive option of the two, but the difference really is minimal.

Final Thought On Similac Alimentum vs Nutramigen

It’s tough to decide between Enfamil Nutramigen and Similac Alimentum. They both have the same positives — a complete feed that is suitable for babies with a cow’s milk protein allergy.

They also both have the same downsides — they’re expensive, and the strong taste is initially off-putting.

We love the use of LGG bacteria in Nutramigen. It helps the immune system grow, and can encourage a tolerance to cow’s milk protein.

But there’s a lot to be said for Alimentum. The 2’-FL HMO is excellent at supporting the immune system.

Both Alimentum and Nutramigen are good options, so consider the price and nutrients when making your choice. But you might find your baby decides for you, and reacts better to one than the other!

We hope you’ve found this guide helpful in choosing between Nutramigen and Alimentum.

And if you want to check out any more of our guides, we recommend checking out these guides onbest formula that tastes like breast milk,how to keep baby bottle warm at nightandhow to warm bottles on the go. Or even our guides for thebest bottles for tongue tie, andbest baby bottles for reflux.