Baby formula provides the sole source of nutrition for infants until they reach four to six months of age, and they continue to drink it throughout the first year. For this reason, parents who prefer organic dairy often choose organic baby formula as well. Similac is a major brand of baby formula made by Abbott Nutrition. Although all infant formulas must contain the same amount of vitamins and minerals, Similac Organic does have some differences from standard formula.
Organic Non-fat Milk
Similac Organic contains organic non-fat milk as its primary ingredient. This is produced from cows that were fed an organic diet. To receive USDA Organic certification, farmers must feed cows an all-organic diet, allow animals access to the outdoors and avoid synthetic hormones and certain medications.
Organic Maltodextrin and Sugar
Similac Organic also contains organic maltodextrin and sugar. Maltodextrin is a complex carbohydrate that acts similar to a simple carbohydrate, such as sugar, according to the website Gleukos. The sugar in Similac Organic is from organic cane sugar. According to a "New York Times" article, this makes Similac Organic taste significantly sweeter than other conventional formulas.
Organic Oils
Similac Organic also contains three organic oils. It contains organic high-oleic safflower oil, soy oil and coconut oil. This formula also contains DHA and ARA, two essential fatty acids present in breastmilk. According to pediatrician Dr. William Sears, the fats in formula are necessary for brain development.
