Alimentum vs Nutramigen: Which specialty formula is healthier for your baby?

Do you also worry about choosing the right hypoallergenic baby formula and wonder which to go for in the debate between Alimentum and NutraMigen?

In fact, this is the same issue my wife and I faced during parenting.

So, it’s the Nutramigen vs alimentum debate we will settle here.

Alimentum vs Nutramigen is a question often asked. Both are both hypoallergenic baby formulas that are designed for babies who are allergic to the proteins in cow’s milk. They are both made with hydrolyzed protein, which means that the protein has been broken down into smaller pieces to make it easier for the baby’s body to digest.

Alimentum formula contains a milk protein called casein that has been extensively hydrolyzed, while Nutramigen formula contains a milk protein called whey that has been partially hydrolyzed.

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Alimentum vs Nutramigen debate- what is hypoallergenic formula?

Hypoallergenic formula is a type of infant formula specially formulated for infants allergic to milk protein. These formulas are made with either partially hydrolyzed or amino acid-based proteins, which are easier for the body to digest and less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Similac Alimentum and Enfamil Nutramigen are both hypoallergenic infant formulas designed for babies who have trouble digesting protein.

Both formulas are made with extensively hydrolyzed protein, which means that the protein has been broken down into smaller pieces to make it easier for babies to digest.

Some hypoallergenic formulas are also made with a protein source other than cow’s milk, such as soy or goat milk. Here are some facts about hypoallergenic baby formula:

Hypoallergenic baby formula feeds infants with milk protein allergy or a cow’s milk protein intolerance.
This regular baby formula is made with either partially hydrolyzed or amino acid-based proteins, which are easier for the body to digest and less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Some lactose-free formulas are made with a protein source other than cow’s milk, such as soy or goat milk.
Baby formula is generally more expensive than regular formula and comes in powder form.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider before introducing a hypoallergenic formula to an infant. It may not suit all infants with cow’s milk protein allergies or intolerances.
This formula should not be used as a sole source of nutrition for infants allergic to cow’s milk protein, as it may not provide all the necessary healthy nutrients for proper growth and development.
It is important to follow the instructions for carefully preparing and storing hypoallergenic formulas to ensure that the formula is safe and effective for the infant. It can then be stored in ready-to-feed bottles.

How does cow milk cause allergy?

Cow milk allergy is the most common food allergy in infants and young children. The age of three or four usually outgrows it, but some people may have an allergy to milk protein throughout their lives.

An immune system response to the proteins in cow’s milk causes a milk protein allergy. When someone who has a cow milk allergy consumes it, their immune system interprets the milk’s proteins as potentially hazardous compounds and develops an immunological response to them.

Cow’s milk protein allergy can happen when breastfeeding mothers or bottle-feeding babies consume cow milk. This causes symptoms in the baby before, during, or after weaning. This allergy often manifests in the first years of a baby’s life, and most kids outgrow the allergy.

Cow milk is blessed with lactose sugar which causes indigestion in babies. This indigestion causes itching, rash, and swelling and can even get into complications. In that case, the advice of a pediatrician is best to evaluate your baby’s body and develop an action plan accordingly.

How are the hypoallergenic formulas a cure?

Here are some of the benefits of giving hypoallergenic formula to your newborn:-

The hypoallergenic formula will help the baby’s digestive system and ensure the baby’s immune system is protected. If the baby’s health is not facing any digestive issues, it’s also a sign of relief for you. Digestive issues can irritate a child and can cause harm to the baby’s immune system.

Symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing can be relieved by hypoallergenic formulas. This can help the baby perform basic motor functions efficiently.

The hypoallergenic formula can aid skin reactions such as Eczema, itchiness, or redness. Eczema is when the skin becomes dry, flaky, and inflammatory.

While hypoallergenic baby formulas are not a cure for cow’s milk allergy, they can effectively manage the allergy and ensure that the baby’s health is getting the nutrients they need.

If your baby has been diagnosed with a cow’s milk allergy, your healthcare professional can recommend the best baby formula for your child based on their specific needs.

Comparing Alimentum vs Nutramigen, which is better overall?

Now, let’s cut the clutter and get to the nitty-gritty of these two hypoallergenic formulas, outlining the important details of both and, in the end, helping you decide to get the best for your child.

To solve the Alimentum vs Nutramigen problem, we will have to look at both constituents and what artificial growth hormones are present in milk formula.

Major Ingredients:- Nutramigen contains Corn syrup solids, palm olein oil, coconut oil, soy oil, etc.

Benefits of using Nutramigen Formula:

Hydrolyzed casein protein serves as Nutramigen’s primary constituent. It is not soy-free, and milk proteins are present. However, the problems are eliminated through the specific processing of the milk, allowing your child’s body to simply digest it without experiencing an allergic reaction.
Nutramigen also contains ARA and DHA, which helps develop the eyes and the brain.
Additionally, it contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or LLG, a probiotic that helps with digestion and maintains the health of the digestive system.
It can also help minimize bloody stools in roughly four weeks, which may help avoid future allergies.

Disadvantages of using Nutramigen:

Some studies demonstrate that the product’s effectiveness declines over time. It seems to have a different effect than it had during the first and early uses after numerous formula adjustments.
It is also a bit expensive and expresses disdain for the taste.
It also creates very soft or liquid stools, which might be a problem.

Now, let’s look at the specifics of Alimentum.

Major Ingredients: Vegetable oils, milk protein, modified corn starch, etc.

Benefits of using the Alimentum formula:

Apart from being used for milk allergies, Alimentum extends to cover problems with protein, fat malabsorption, and maldigestion.
Alimentum also uses iron but does not include the probiotic blend found in Nutramigen.
It also includes a ton of amino acids.
This baby formula is also gluten-free and devoid of artificial growth hormones.

Disadvantages of using Alimentum:

As a baby formula, it is also quite expensive and smells unappealing
Alimentum does not include probiotics which might help make it more effective for certain children
Unlike Nutramigen, there is no solid evidence that Alimentum helps prevent future allergies

For more clarity on choosing the best baby formula, refer to this video:

Lactose intolerance vs. cow’s milk allergy

Lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy are two different conditions that can cause digestive symptoms or allergic reactions after consuming milk or milk products. Here is how they differ:

Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder that occurs when the body cannot fully digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products. It is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose in the small intestine.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance can include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, upset stomach, diarrhea, and nausea. These symptoms usually occur 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming lactose. It can also lead to baby choking on milk.

Cow’s milk allergy: This response is an immune system reaction to the proteins found in cow’s milk. It is different from lactose intolerance because it is caused by an immune system reaction rather than a digestive disorder.

This allergy can cause a range of symptoms in a child’s digestive system, including symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, as well as respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing, and skin reactions such as hives. Symptoms of cow’s milk allergy can occur minutes to hours after consuming milk or milk products.

It is important to note that lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the cause of the symptoms and the appropriate treatment.

Let us now look at some questions that might help you choose the better option: Alimentum vs nutramigen.

Some FAQs

Q1: Can baby formula cause allergies?

Ans: Technically, yes. Although these formulas are hypoallergenic, they contain milk proteins that are not completely broken down. Therefore, an allergic reaction may occur while on this formula, although the chances remain low.

Q2: Should I use boiling water to prepare baby formula?

Ans. Healthcare experts advise formulas to be made from cooled-down boiled water. Heat your water for 2 mins or until it boils, then wait for it to cool down. Your healthcare professional will be able to tell you when it becomes okay not to boil the water for formula preparation. Till then, this is the way to go.

Q3: How long does it take for Nutramigen to work?

Ans: The company claims that after 48 hours, the symptoms of colic will lessen. Additionally, they claim that allergies can resolve within 6 months, allowing your youngster to resume consuming milk products.

Q4: How long does it take for Alimentum to work?

Ans: Alimentum claims to reduce symptoms within 24 hours of consumption

Q5: Do I need a prescription to buy Nutramigen or Alimentum?

Ans: You can find these products at most medical stores without needing a prescription. It might also be available at certain departmental or grocery shops.

Conclusion

Which advice from this post are you going to attempt first ?

I now want to hear from you. Selecting a gluten-free formula or the best infant formula for your child. If you need help choosing, let your wallet make the call.

If parents simply need assistance choosing the best formula for their infant, doctors’ offices frequently have a supply of free trial formulas available.

Or perhaps there’s something I overlooked.

In either case, please let me know straight away by leaving a comment below.