Aptamil vs. Pediasure: Ingredients Composition

54 hours of research 5 minute read

" Parents often choose Aptamil for its focus on supporting early infant development, while Pediasure is favored for its role in promoting growth and filling nutritional gaps in older children. "
Aptamil vs. Pediasure: A Comprehensive Guide to Ingredients Composition

Choosing the right nutrition for your child can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available on the market. Two prominent names in the world of infant and children's nutrition are Aptamil and Pediasure. Both brands offer a variety of formulas that cater to different needs, but how do they compare in terms of ingredients? This blog aims to provide a thorough comparison of Aptamil and Pediasure, focusing on their ingredient compositions and allergens.

What is Aptamil?

Aptamil is a renowned infant formula brand designed for babies from birth to toddlerhood. It is known for providing essential nutrients and immune system support. Aptamil formulas are scientifically developed to mimic breast milk, with a special focus on supporting early growth, gut health, and brain development.

Aptamil offers several formula stages, and they are typically divided according to the baby’s age. Below is a breakdown of some popular Aptamil formula variants and their key ingredients:

Aptamil Variants and Key Features

Variant Key Features Allergens
Aptamil 1 First Infant Milk
  • Designed for newborns to 6 months.
  • DHA for brain and visual development.
  • Prebiotics to support gut health.
  • GOS/FOS for immune system support.
  • Vitamin D and calcium for bone health.
 Contains cow’s milk, soy.United States
Aptamil 2 Follow-on Milk
  • For babies 6-12 months.
  • DHA and ARA for brain development.
  • Prebiotics to promote gut health.
  • Increased iron content to support cognitive development.
  • GOS/FOS for immune system function.
 Contains cow’s milk, soy.
Aptamil 3 Toddler Milk
  • For toddlers aged 1-2 years.
  • Iron, calcium, and vitamins D, A, and C to support immune system and bone health.
  • Prebiotics for healthy gut flora.
  • Tailored to complement a growing toddler’s diet with balanced nutrition.
 Contains cow’s milk, soy.
Aptamil Comfort
  • Designed for babies with digestive discomfort.
  • Partially hydrolyzed protein for easier digestion.
  • Reduces lactose content to ease digestion.
  • Includes DHA for brain development.
  • Contains prebiotics for gut health.
 Contains cow’s milk, soy.
Aptamil Anti-Reflux
  • For babies with reflux issues.
  • Thickened with carob bean gum to reduce reflux episodes.
  • Nutrients to support brain development and bone health.
  • DHA and prebiotics for digestive and immune system health.
 Contains cow’s milk, soy.
Aptamil Pepti 1
  • Hypoallergenic formula for babies with cow's milk allergy.
  • Extensively hydrolyzed protein for easier digestion.
  • DHA and ARA for brain development.
  • Prebiotics for immune support.
  • Suitable from birth.
 Contains cow’s milk protein (extensively hydrolyzed).

What is PediaSure?

PediaSure is a nutritional supplement brand that focuses on children who need extra nutrition to support their growth. Unlike Aptamil, which is designed as an infant formula, PediaSure products are meant for older children, typically from ages 1 to 13. It offers a balanced combination of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to support the specific dietary needs of children, whether they are picky eaters, have higher nutritional needs, or require tube feeding.

Let’s break down the key variants of PediaSure and their features to help you decide which product is most suitable for your child.

PediaSure Variants and Key Features

Variant Key Features Precautions
PediaSure Enteral Formula 1.0 Cal with Fiber
  • Balanced nutrition for tube-feeding children 1 to 13 years old.
  • 1.0 Cal/mL, 240 Cal/8 fl oz.
  • Provides 100% of DRIs for protein and essential vitamins/minerals.
  • Prebiotics and antioxidants for digestive and immune support.
  • No artificial growth hormones.
  • Kosher, Halal, Gluten-free, Lactose intolerance-friendly.
  • Not for infants under 1 year unless prescribed.
  • Not for IV use.
  • Not for children with galactosemia.
PediaSure Grow & Gain Shake Mix
  • Clinically proven to help kids grow.
  • 6 g protein and 23 vitamins and minerals.
  • No artificial growth hormones.
  • Available in Chocolate and Vanilla.
  • Kosher, Halal, Gluten-free, Lactose intolerance-friendly.
  • Not for children under 2 years unless prescribed.
  • Not for children with galactosemia.
  • Not intended as sole source of nutrition.
PediaSure Reduced Calorie
  • 150 Cal/serving, 37% fewer calories than base PediaSure.
  • Prebiotics for digestive health.
  • Antioxidants to support the immune system.
  • No artificial growth hormones.
  • Kosher, Halal, Gluten-free, Lactose intolerance-friendly.
  • Not for infants under 1 year unless prescribed.
  • Not for IV use.
  • Not for children with galactosemia.
PediaSure Grow & Gain (Ready-to-Drink)
  • 240 Cal/8 fl oz.
  • 7 g protein, 27 essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Omega-3 DHA for brain development.
  • Clinically proven to help kids grow.
  • #1 Pediatrician recommended brand.
  • Kosher, Halal, Gluten-free, Lactose intolerance-friendly.
  • Not for children under 2 years unless prescribed.
  • Not for children with galactosemia.
  • Not intended as sole source of nutrition.
PediaSure Peptide 1.0 Cal
  • For kids with malabsorption issues or feeding intolerance.
  • Easily digestible protein.
  • Balanced nutrition for oral or tube feeding.
  • No artificial growth hormones.
  • Halal, Gluten-free, Lactose intolerance-friendly.
  • Not for infants under 1 year unless prescribed.
  • Not for IV use.
  • Not for children with galactosemia.
PediaSure SideKicks
  • 10 g protein and 25 essential vitamins and minerals.
  • 180 Cal/8 fl oz.
  • 40% more protein and 25% fewer calories than PediaSure Grow & Gain.
  • Omega-3 DHA for brain and eye development.
  • No artificial growth hormones.
  • Gluten-free, Lactose intolerance-friendly.
  • Not for children under 2 years unless prescribed.
  • Not for children with galactosemia.
  • Not intended as sole source of nutrition.

Which One is Right for Your Child?

  • Aptamil is suited for babies and toddlers, providing complete nutrition from birth to age 2. It’s especially useful for parents looking for a formula that mimics breast milk and offers a wide range of options for babies with specific digestive or allergy-related issues, such as reflux or cow’s milk protein allergy.
  • PediaSure caters to older children, ages 1 to 13, who require additional nutritional support. Is Pediasure good for kids? It’s an excellent option for children who are picky eaters, need extra calories for growth, or have specific medical needs such as tube feeding or malabsorption issues.

In general, Aptamil focuses on providing nutrition for infants and toddlers, whereas PediaSure is designed to help older children meet their growth and nutritional needs, especially if they’re not getting sufficient nutrients from their diet alone.

Aptamil and Pediasure Ingredients Comparison

Both Aptamil and Pediasure are designed to provide essential nutrients for children, but they have different target audiences and formulations. Aptamil baby formula is primarily aimed at infants and toddlers, while Pediasure is designed for children who may require additional nutrition, such as those who are picky eaters or have specific dietary needs.

Ingredients Comparison

When comparing the ingredients of Aptamil and Pediasure, several factors come into play, including the source of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

Nutrient Aptamil Pediasure
Protein Hydrolyzed whey protein or cow's milk protein Milk protein concentrate
Fat Vegetable oils, including palm oil Canola oil, high oleic sunflower oil
Carbohydrates Lactose, maltodextrin Maltodextrin, corn syrup solids
Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B vitamins A, C, D, E, B vitamins
Minerals Calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium Calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium
Special Ingredients Prebiotics (GOS/FOS) and DHA Fiber (in some formulations) and MCT oil

Similarities and Differences in Ingredients

Similarities:

  • Both Aptamil and Pediasure contain essential vitamins and minerals that support growth and development.
  • Both brands use lactose as a primary carbohydrate source in their formulations, which is important for energy.

Differences:

  • Protein Sources: Aptamil uses hydrolyzed whey protein or cow's milk protein, while Pediasure primarily uses milk protein concentrate.
  • Fat Sources: Aptamil includes vegetable oils, while Pediasure contains specific oils like canola and high oleic sunflower oil.
  • Special Ingredients: Aptamil is known for its prebiotics, promoting gut health, whereas Pediasure includes fiber in some formulations to aid digestion.

Key Ingredients of Aptamil and Pediasure Variants

To better visualize the key ingredients in each variant of Aptamil and Pediasure, refer to the charts below:

Aptamil Variants

Variant Key Ingredients Allergens
Aptamil Gold Hydrolyzed whey protein, vegetable oils, DHA, ARA Milk, soy
Aptamil Stage 1 Cow's milk protein, lactose, prebiotics, vitamins Milk, soy
Aptamil Stage 2 Cow's milk protein, vegetable oils, DHA, ARA Milk, soy
Aptamil Pepti 1 Hydrolyzed whey protein, lactose-free Milk (partially hydrolyzed)
Aptamil Reflux Cow's milk protein, prebiotics, thickening agents Milk, soy
Aptamil Comfort Cow's milk protein, prebiotics, lactose-free Milk (partially hydrolyzed)

Pediasure Variants

Variant Key Ingredients Allergens
Pediasure Grow and Gain Milk protein concentrate, canola oil, fiber, vitamins Milk, soy
Pediasure for Kids Milk protein concentrate, high oleic sunflower oil, DHA Milk, soy
Pediasure for Adults Milk protein concentrate, corn syrup solids, MCT oil Milk, soy
Pediasure Peptide Hydrolyzed whey protein, corn syrup solids, vitamins Milk (partially hydrolyzed)
Pediasure Age 1-3 Milk protein concentrate, canola oil, fiber, vitamins Milk, soy
Pediasure Vanilla Milk protein concentrate, corn syrup solids, flavor Milk, soy

What Sets Aptamil from Pediasure?

While both Aptamil and Pediasure milk are reputable brands, several factors set them apart:

  1. Target Age Group: Aptamil is primarily focused on infants and toddlers, with specialized formulas for various stages of development, whereas Pediasure is aimed at older children who may need additional nutrition.
  2. Protein Composition: Aptamil offers extensive and hydrolyzed protein options, making it suitable for infants with protein allergies, while Pediasure uses concentrated milk protein, which may not be suitable for all children.
  3. Prebiotics and Probiotics: Aptamil includes prebiotics to support digestive health, while Pediasure focuses on providing additional calories and nutrients for growth.
  4. Texture and Form: Pediasure products come in various forms, including powders, ready-to-feed options, and fiber-enriched variants, catering to different preferences and dietary needs.

Top Formulas and Where to Buy

For parents considering Aptamil or Pediasure formulas, here are some top recommendations:

Top Aptamil Formulas

Top Pediasure Formulas

  • Pediasure Grow and Gain
  • Pediasure Organic
  • Pediasure Ready to Feed
  • Pediasure Ready to Feed (Fiber)
  • Pediasure Compact Vanilla

Where to Buy

For those interested in purchasingAptamil formulas, Organic Life Start offers a convenient online platform with various discounts and subscription options to ensure affordability and accessibility.

Discount Details:

Organic Life Start provides the best deals for their formulas through the following steps:

  • By selecting the largest size pack, you can save up to 15%. Discounts that apply to specific products differ.
  • By using a subscription to set up recurring payments, you can save an additional 5%.
  • For first-time buyers, use the welcome voucher code "FAMILY" to save an extra 5%.

Choosing between Aptamil and Pediasure largely depends on your child's specific nutritional needs. Aptamil provides excellent options for infants and toddlers, focusing on developmental stages and gut health with its prebiotics. On the other hand, Pediasure offers a range of products designed to ensure children receive adequate nutrition, especially for those who are picky eaters or have dietary restrictions.

Ultimately, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional when deciding on the best formula for your child's growth and development.

Most Popular Aptamil Formulas

  1. Aptamil Nutri-Biotik
  2. Aptamil Gold+
  3. Aptamil Pepti

Sources:

  1. Aptamil
  2. Pediasure
  3. Nutritional Guidelines from Pediatricians

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Dr. Srikietr Dhana

Dr. Srikietr Dhana
Southlake Children's Clinic

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