Whether you’re formula feeding or looking for an option for supplementing, supporting your baby’s growth and development means nourishing him with the right nutrition. That’s why Similac formulas have important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to help give your little one a strong start.

Protein helps to build, maintain, and repair tissues in the body. It also helps to produce enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. The protein ingredients most often found in Similac milk-based formulas are nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate from cow’s milk. 

About 50% of the calories in breast milk and infant formulas come from fat. All baby formulas contain a blend of different fats and oils that provide important fatty acids (like DHA) for normal brain and eye development. 

Similac formulas have no palm olein oil, which means excellent calcium absorption for strong bones.

Carbs for Energy and to Fuel Growth

Carbohydrates are an important energy source that fuels the body’s normal day-to-day activities. Babies, especially, need carbohydrates to help them grow and gain weight.

Lactose is the carbohydrate found in breast milk and in many cow’s milk-based infant formulas. Formulas for sensitive babies often use a different carbohydrate, like corn maltodextrin or corn syrup for babies with lactose sensitivity.

HMO^*Prebiotics for Immune Support and More

A large part of our immune system is in our gut. That's why it's important to pay attention to it. Good gut health relies on nurturing the good bacteria found there. Prebiotics do that by feeding the good gut bacteria and helping them to multiply.

Select Similac formulas include the prebiotic 2’-FL HMO.^* This prebiotic is structurally identical to the 2’-FL HMO found in breast milk. Similac formulas may also contain the prebiotics fructooligosaccharides (FOS) or galactooligosaccharides (GOS).

Our Similac^® 360 Total Care^® formulas have an exclusive blend of 5 of the most abundant HMO prebiotics found in breast milk: 2’-FL, 3-FL, LNT, 3’-SL, and 6’-SL. These formulas support baby’s whole-body growth and development, and have the closest prebiotic blend to that in breast milk.

^*Human milk oligosaccharide; not from human milk.

Lutein for Eye Development

Lutein and beta carotene are carotenoids that are naturally found in breast milk that are also added to many Similac formulas. These pigments are important for your little one’s eye development.

Key Vitamins for Babies

Baby formulas have vitamins babies need to regulate the processes in their bodies.  Here are some key vitamins listed below and how they support your baby’s growth:

• Vitamin E – Supports developing cells
• Vitamin D – Essential for maintaining strong bones and healthy muscle
• Vitamin A – Supports vision, growth, cell division, and the immune system

Common Minerals in Baby Formula

Healthy bones, teeth, and nails are built with the help of minerals. Baby formula has a long list of minerals, but these are some of the common minerals you hear about and how they support the growth of your little one: 

• Iron  – Essential for healthy blood and carrying oxygen throughout the body
• Calcium – Important for bone development and circulation
• Phosphorus – Supports development of the skeleton
• Zinc  – Supports tissue growth and repair, wound healing, and a healthy immune system

What is OptiGRO in Similac?

OptiGRO is our exclusive blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E— these important nutrients are also found in breast milk.

Similac formulas are inspired by breast milk. They also have no artificial growth hormones.^† Choose Similac for nutrition you can trust that’s backed by science. 

Our complete line of formulas includes products designed for full-term and preterm babies, as well as those with food allergies and other specialized nutrition needs.

Look for These Ingredients in Many Similac Baby Formula Products.

Nutrition beyond DHA alone—from America’s #1 Infant Formula Brand^‡

^* Not from human milk.
^† No significant difference has been shown between milk derived from rbST-treated and non-rbST-treated cows.
^‡ Total US infant formula, all outlets as of 5/2019, Nielsen data.

Have more questions?

Learn more about our ingredients, as well as breastfeeding and formula feeding in our Frequently Asked Questions.

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