In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Alimentum vs Gerber Extensive HA, two popular hypoallergenic formulas on the market today. As a registered dietitian/nutritionist, I want to provide you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision about your child’s nutrition.
| Feature | Similac Alimentum | Gerber Extensive HA |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Hypoallergenic infant formula | Hypoallergenic infant formula |
| Primary Protein Source | Casein hydrolysate | 100% extensively hydrolyzed whey |
| Protein Hydrolysate | Partially hydrolyzed | Extensively hydrolyzed |
| Fat Source | High oleic safflower, soy, and coconut oils | Palm olein, soy, and coconut oils |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn maltodextrin, sugar | Corn maltodextrin, modified cornstarch, sugar |
| DHA & ARA | Yes | Yes |
| Prebiotics | No | No |
| Probiotics | No | No |
| Lactose-free | Yes | Yes |
| Iron-fortified | Yes | Yes |
| Non-GMO | Yes | Yes |
| Gluten-free | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for Galactosemia | No | No |
| Price (may vary) | $$ (mid-range) | $$$ (higher range) |
Definition Of Hypoallergenic Formulas
Hypoallergenic formulas are an interesting concept. They’re meant to be gentle on a baby’s digestive system, yet they come with a variety of ingredients and names that can be quite confusing for parents.
When evaluating hypoallergenic formulas, two brands consistently stand out: Alimentum and Gerber Extensive HA. Both offer unique benefits for infants who may have difficulty digesting cow milk protein or other common allergens found in infant formula.
But which one is best?
That will depend on what specific allergy triggers you’re looking to avoid and how much money you want to spend.
What Is Alimentum?
Moving on, let’s discuss Alimentum. This is a hypoallergenic formula that was designed by Abbott Nutrition and it’s specifically tailored to meet the needs of infants with food allergies or sensitivities. It contains extensively hydrolyzed protein, which has been broken down into tiny pieces so they don’t cause an allergic reaction in babies. This formula also includes added probiotics for better digestive health.
Alimentum differs from Gerber Extensive HA in that its proteins are even more extensively hydrolyzed than Gerber’s. This makes them easier to digest and less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
Additionally, Alimentum contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C and E as well as other essential nutrients not found in Gerber’s product. These additional ingredients help promote optimal growth and development in babies who need special dietary considerations due to their allergies or sensitivities.
What Is Gerber Extensive Ha?
Gerber Extensive HA is a hypoallergenic infant formula developed to meet the nutritional needs of babies who cannot tolerate cow’s milk-based formulas due to food allergies. It is an extensively hydrolyzed protein, meaning that it has been broken down into small pieces for easier digestion and absorption by infants with sensitive digestive systems.
This formula contains only partially hydrolyzed proteins, rather than fully hydrolyzed ones, which are more likely to cause allergic reactions in some infants. According to recent studies, Gerber Extensive HA can reduce the likelihood of developing eczema or other allergic symptoms in infants up to six months old compared to those fed regular cow’s milk-based formulas.
The ingredients found in Gerber Extensive HA include vegetable oils, corn syrup solids, prebiotic fibers (oligosaccharide), vitamins A, C and E as well as iron and zinc.
Additionally, this product does not contain any artificial flavors or sweeteners. As such, parents can feel confident that their baby is receiving optimal nutrition without added chemicals.
In comparison with Alimentum formula, Gerber Extensive HA offers similar levels of nutrition but may be better suited for mild allergy cases since its proteins are only partially hydrolyzed instead of being completely broken down like Alimentum’s proteins.
Benefits Of Hypoallergenic Formulas
While Gerber Extensive HA is a hypoallergenic formula designed for infants with food allergies, many other hypoallergenic formulas offer similar benefits. Alimentum by Abbott Nutrition is one such example.
Hypoallergenic formulas can benefit babies who suffer from allergies because they use extensively hydrolyzed proteins broken down into smaller particles, making them easier to digest and less likely to cause an allergic reaction. They also contain higher levels of essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, and zinc than regular infant formulas do, helping ensure proper growth and development in the early stages of life. Additionally, these formulas can often help reduce colic symptoms due to their more gentle digestion process.
Hypoallergenic formulas should only be used under the supervision of a doctor or registered dietitian/nutritionist. It is important to note that while most brands provide some degree of allergen protection, not all formulations will work equally well in every case; it may require trial and error before finding the right formula choice for your baby’s specific dietary needs.
Ingredients In Alimentum
Alimentum is a hypoallergenic infant formula specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants with food allergies or colic due to protein sensitivities. Its main ingredients are corn syrup solids, vegetable oils (including coconut oil), and whey proteins that have been extensively hydrolyzed.
Additionally, Alimentum contains essential fatty acids such as DHA and ARA for brain development, iron for healthy red blood cells, and vitamins and minerals for overall growth.
These specific ingredients in Alimentum provide complete nutrition for your baby’s first year of life. It also offers all the important nutrients needed during this critical period of rapid physical and mental growth including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and probiotics. This balanced combination helps support your baby’s immune system while meeting his/her individual nutritional requirements.
Ingredients In Gerber Extensive Ha
Gerber Extensive HA is a specially formulated formula for infants with cow’s milk allergy. It contains hydrolyzed protein, which has been broken down into smaller pieces to help reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction. The following ingredients make up Gerber Extensive HA:
- Hydrolyzed soy protein isolate
- Vegetable oils (palm olein, coconut oil)
- Corn maltodextrin
- Fructooligosaccharides
In addition to these core components, each serving of the hypoallergenic infant formula provides 20 essential vitamins and minerals that are important in promoting healthy growth and development in babies.
These nutrients work together to provide complete nutrition for your baby while helping them become less sensitive to allergens like cow’s milk proteins over time.
| Essential Nutrient | Importance in Healthy Growth & Development |
|---|---|
| Calcium | Bone and teeth formation, nerve function |
| Phosphorus | Bone and teeth formation, energy metabolism |
| Vitamin A | Vision, immune function, skin health |
| B-Complex Vitamins | Energy production, nervous system health |
| Zinc | Immune function, growth, wound healing |
| Copper | Iron metabolism, brain function |
| Iron | Hemoglobin production, cognitive development |
| Magnesium | Muscle and nerve function, bone health |
It is important to note that it may still be necessary for the infant to avoid other dairy products as part of their diet even after beginning this formula due to their continued sensitivity or intolerance towards cow’s milk proteins.
With careful monitoring from a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian/nutritionist, parents can ensure their child gets all the nutrients they need without exposing them to potential food allergies or sensitivities.
Pros And Cons Of Alimentum
Unlike Gerber Extensive HA, Alimentum is a hypoallergenic formula specifically designed for babies with severe cow’s milk protein allergies. It contains extensively hydrolyzed proteins to help minimize allergic reactions and provide complete nutrition for infants who cannot tolerate other formulas. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of Alimentum:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic; helps prevent an allergic reaction | More expensive than standard infant formulas |
| Contains prebiotics that promotes digestive health | Not intended as the sole source of nutrition; should be supplemented with fresh foods when possible |
| Nutritionally equivalent to breastmilk in terms of calcium, iron, phosphorus & fatty acids | Sweetened with corn syrup solids which may cause gas or stomach discomfort |
Alimentum can be an effective choice for infants who need specialized nutrition due to food allergies/intolerances. Its extensive hydrolysis process breaks down proteins into smaller components making it easier for the baby’s body to digest without causing any allergic reactions.
Additionally, its nutrient content closely resembles that of breastmilk so parents don’t have to worry about their child not getting enough vitamins and minerals from this formula alone.
On the flip side, Alimentum does contain sweetener from corn syrup solids that could potentially lead to gastrointestinal problems such as gas or bloating if consumed in excess. Furthermore, it is more costly than most standard infant formulas due to its higher quality ingredients and increased production costs associated with the manufacturing process.
Pros And Cons Of Gerber Extensive Ha
The biggest advantage of this type of formula is its hypoallergenic nature.
The proteins in Gerber Extensive HA are already partially broken down, reducing the risk of triggering an allergic reaction in sensitive infants. Additionally, it’s nutritionally complete; providing all the vitamins and minerals needed by growing babies without having to supplement their diet with additional foods.
On the other hand, some parents may find that it doesn’t provide enough energy for their child’s needs due to its low-fat content. In addition, because the proteins have been pre-digested they aren’t as easily absorbed by some infants as by regular cow’s milk-based formulas.
Cost Comparison Between Alimentum And Gerber Extensive Ha
When comparing the cost of Alimentum and Gerber Extensive HA, there are several factors to consider. It’s important to weigh both the upfront cost as well as long-term costs associated with each product.
In terms of initial cost, Gerber Extensive HA is typically less expensive than Alimentum. However, due to its higher nutritional value, Alimentum may be a more affordable option in the long run since it can provide better nutrition for your child over time.
Moreover, if you have insurance coverage for formula-feeding products, this could help offset the difference in cost between these two brands.
Suitable Age Groups For Different Formulas
It’s often assumed that all babies should drink the same formula regardless of age, but in reality each child has individual needs.
Alimentum and Gerber Extensive HA are two infant formulas designed specifically for infants with food sensitivities or allergies who cannot tolerate other types of formula.
Alimentum is suitable for newborns up to 12 months old. It contains extensively hydrolyzed protein, meaning it breaks down proteins into tiny pieces so they’re easier to digest. This makes Alimentum particularly good for babies with cow’s milk sensitivity or allergy as it provides complete nutrition without any proteins that could cause a reaction.
Gerber Extensive HA on the other hand can be used from birth until 18 months and offers similar benefits as Alimentum but contains partially hydrolyzed proteins instead of extensively hydrolyzed ones.
Both formulas contain added DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid) fatty acids essential for brain development, plus prebiotics to promote healthy gut bacteria growth in your little one.
Common Allergens Found In Infant Formulas
- Soy-based proteins – Both Alimentum and Gerber Extensive HA contain soy protein isolate as one of their primary ingredients.
- Dairy-based proteins – While neither formula includes dairy products as an ingredient, some people can still have allergic reactions due to cross-contamination from other dairy-containing foods or manufacturing processes.
- Tree nuts – Neither formula contains tree nut-based ingredients; however, both could potentially be exposed to cross-contamination during production.
- Fish-based oils – Alimentum does not include any fish oil-derived ingredients while Gerber Extensive HA does include some omega-3 fatty acids sourced from tuna oil.
How To Deal With Allergic Reactions
It is important to be aware of any potential allergic reactions when choosing a formula for your baby. Alimentum and Gerber Extensive HA are both hypoallergenic formulas, which can help minimize the risk of an allergic reaction. However, even with these options, you should still watch closely for signs that could indicate an allergy.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Skin rashes or hives | Red, itchy, or raised skin areas that can appear after exposure to an allergen |
| Difficulty breathing | Trouble inhaling or exhaling, often accompanied by shortness of breath or chest tightness |
| Vomiting | Forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth |
| Wheezing | High-pitched whistling sound when breathing, typically indicating airflow obstruction |
| Coughing | Involuntary reflex to clear airways, often occurring due to irritation or inflammation |
| Swelling around the mouth or face | Puffiness or enlargement, often caused by inflammation or fluid buildup |
| Itching in the eyes, nose, throat, ears, or skin | Uncomfortable sensation causing a desire to scratch affected areas |
If your baby exhibits any of these signs after consuming either formula, it’s best to contact their doctor right away. Your doctor will be able to diagnose whether or not there has been an allergic reaction and recommend additional steps for managing the problem if necessary.
If your child does have an allergy to one of these formulas, they may need to switch to another option entirely. There are plenty of other hypoallergenic infant formulas available on the market today that can provide adequate nutrition without triggering an allergic response in some babies.
Alternatives To Hypoallergenic Formulas
Alimentum and Gerber Extensive HA are two of the most popular hypoallergenic infant formulas available today. Alimentum contains partially hydrolyzed casein protein which has been broken down into smaller pieces for easier digestion, as well as other essential nutrients for growth and development.
Gerber Extensive HA offers an extensively hydrolyzed whey protein that helps reduce allergens in the digestive system and can be used from birth onwards.
Both formulas may be recommended by healthcare professionals in cases where infants have reported allergies or sensitivities to cow’s milk proteins. However, there are also non-dairy alternative formulas such as soy-based formulas, amino acid–based formulas (AAP), and elemental diets that can help provide nutrition while reducing potential allergic reactions due to dietary sources.
Additionally, many babies who are sensitive to dairy products do not experience negative reactions when given lactose-free formula made with cow’s milk proteins that have been altered to reduce allergenicity.
Questions To Ask A Healthcare Professional
How much protein does my child need? Protein plays an essential role in growth and development for children, so understanding how much they need according to age is important.
Are there any other nutrients that I should be aware of with this type of product? Hypoallergenic formulas tend to have different nutrient levels than traditional infant formulas, so getting information about those specific nutrient differences is key.
What are the potential side effects associated with this kind of formula? It’s always wise to ask if there could be any adverse reactions when introducing new foods into your baby’s diet.
Is Alimentum or Gerber Extensive HA right for my baby? This ultimately comes down to personal preference but having facts at hand will help make a more informed decision as well as ensure safety and nutritional balance. Ultimately, speaking with a qualified healthcare professional can help determine what type of hypoallergenic formula would work best for you and your family.
