Similac Advance Formula Ingredients

Features

• Similac Advance is a cow's milk formula that features several nutritional additives. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid) are nutrients found in breast milk that emerging research suggests may support neural and visual development, and both are included in Similac's formula. Another key component is prebiotics, or simple carbohydrates that encourage bacteria growth in baby's digestive tract and may foster healthy immune-system development. Similac also adds a patented blend of nucleotides, which are used by the immune system to form antibodies. Finally, iron, calcium and several vitamins are added to complete the nutritional profile.

History

• DHA and ARA have only been added to infant formulas since 2002 in the United States and 2004 to 2006 in other countries. Studies on the benefits of these nutrients as well as prebiotics have shown possible benefits, but more research is necessary to determine whether the supposed benefits of these substances actually exist. Commercial infant formulas have been evolving since they first appeared on the market in the early 1900s, and the formulas available today represent the most advanced research to date on the nutrients necessary for the growth and development of healthy babies.

Function

• Because Similac Advance formula is meant to supplement or replace breast milk, the manufacturer has made the formula as similar to breast milk as possible. The nutrients added are the same nutrients scientists have identified in breast milk and hope will have the same beneficial effects on growing babies. However, because breast milk and other natural food sources are nutritionally complex, it is difficult to completely reproduce them using simple nutrients. Most of the celebrated components of Similac Advance that bring it closer to breast milk have only been discovered in the last decade; it is entirely possible that scientists will uncover additional nutrients in breast milk that are currently missing from commercial formulas.

Benefits

• Similac claims that its Advance formula promotes the development of a healthy immune system and provides babies with the same nutrition they would get from breast milk. Citing the fact that 70 percent of the immune system is found in the digestive tract, Similac asserts that the prebiotics and nucleotides included in Advance formula are the key components of immune development that were previously missing from infant formulas.

Expert Insight

• The best food for your baby is breast milk, but breast milk is not always an option or may need to be supplemented with formula. According to the Mayo Clinic, the infant formula you choose should be iron fortified, as Similac Advance is. When it comes to such ingredients as DHA, ARA and prebiotics, the general consensus is that some research has indicated positive benefits from including these nutrients, but whether these benefits are significant or lasting is still unknown.