Alfamino vs Puramino Formula – Which Is Best For Your Baby?
Feeding an infant can be a stressful process, and although the “fed is best” mantra is completely true, you might be worried about the differences between Alfamino vs Puramino and wondering if either of these brands is superior.
Alfamino and Puramino are both popular formulas intended for infants, and they have a lot of similarities.
There are a few differences, however; for example, Alfamino is made using potato starch, while Puramino uses tapioca starch.
Puramino provides 3.6 grams of fat and 290 kJ / 68 kcal, whereas Alfamino provides 3.3 grams of fat and 278 kJ / 66 kcal.
Puramino is made by Nutramigen while Alfamino is made by Nestle.
It’s important to weigh up the differences between infant formulas when you are purchasing one, so in this article, we’re going to compare the two brands and learn more about the pros and cons of each.
Hypoallergenic Formulas
Both Alfamino and Puramino are hypoallergenic formulas, which means that they have been specifically designed for infants who are either allergic or intolerant to cow’s milk protein.
This is important because around 3% of infants are allergic to cow’s milk protein, and this allergy can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, eczema, and blood in the stool.
Hypoallergenic formula is the best way to ensure that your infant is getting the nutrition they need without triggering any allergies, and both Alfamino and Puramino are hypoallergenic options.
Now, let’s look at both formulas so we can determine which one is the better option of the two.
Note: Make sure to also read my recent article where I compare Alimentum Vs Neucate, which are both much better hypoallergenic options according to our findings.
Alfamino Vs Puramino – How We’ll Compare Them
There are a lot of similarities between these two formulas, but they do have some differences, and it’s important to use these to determine which product may be more suitable in your circumstances.
We will be looking at:
- Nutritional Value and Ingredients
- Cost
- Flavor availability
- Other potential allergens
Alfamino Vs Puramino – Nutritional Value Comparison
Alfamino’s Nutrition
SMA Alfamino offers the following nutrition:
- Energy: 278 kJ / 66 kcal
- Fiber: 0
- Fat: 3.3 g
- Protein: 1.8 g protein equivalent
- Carbohydrates: 7.5 g
- Sugars: 0.5 g
- Formulation guide: Dilute 13.3 percent w/v of powder per 100 mL of water.
Alfamino Ingredients:
Glucose Syrup, Vegetable Oils (Sunflower, Rapeseed, Esterified Palm), Amino Acids (L-Arginine-L-Aspartate, L-Lysine Acetate, L-Leucine, L-Proline, L-Glutamine, L-Valine, Glycine, L-Isoleucine, L-Threonine, L-Serine, L-Phenylalanine, L-Tyrosine, L-Histidine, L-Alanine, L-Cystine, L-Tryptophan, Magnesium L-Aspartate, L-Methionine), Medium Chain Triglycerides, Potato Starch, Minerals (Calcium Glycerophosphate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Citrate, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Citrate, Sodium Phosphate, Magnesium Oxide, Ferrous Sulphate, Zinc Sulphate, Copper Sulphate, Potassium Iodide, Manganese Sulphate, Sodium Selenate), Emulsifier (E472c), Crypthecodinium Cohii Oil (DHA), Mortierella Alpina Oil (ARA),
Alfamino contains Glucose Syrup, which is often made from potatoes. It also contains potato starch. These ingredients are not dangerous but they do lower the quality of the formula a bit.
Score: 6 out of 10
Puramino’s Nutrition
By contrast, Nutramigen Puramino offers:
- Energy: 290 kJ / 68 kcal
- Fiber: 0
- Fat: 3.6 g
- Protein: 1.9 g protein equivalent
- Carbohydrates: 7.2 g
- Sugars: 0.95 g
- Formulation guide: Dilute 13.3 percent w/v of powder per 100 mL of water.
Puramino Ingredients:
Corn syrup solids (46%), amino acids (potassium aspartate, L-leucine, L-lysine hydrochloride, L-proline, L-alanine, L-valine, L-isoleucine, L-serine, L-threonine, L-glutamine, L-tyrosine, L-aspartic acid, L-arginine, L-phenylalanine, L-histidine, L-cystine, glycine, L-tryptophan, L-methionine) (18%), high oleic sunflower oil (9%), medium chain triglycerides (MCT) oil (9%), soy oil (8%), modified tapioca starch (4%), and less than 2%: Mortierella alpina oil*, Schizochytrium sp. oil†, choline chloride, inositol, ascorbic acid, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, thiamin hydrochloride, vitamin B6 hydrochloride, vitamin D3, folic acid, vitamin K1, biotin, taurine, vitamin E acetate, L-carnitine, vitamin A palmitate, vitamin B12, calcium phosphate, potassium citrate, sodium citrate, magnesium phosphate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, cupric sulfate, manganese sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium iodide, sodium selenite.
I highlighted Corn Syrup and Soy Oil because corn syrup is not a high-quality ingredient and is essentially sugar. This formula also contains soy which could be a potential allergen for some babies.
Score: 3 out of 10
How They Compare
As you can see from the above information, Alfamino provides a slightly higher degree of energy but has a slightly lower degree of protein and fat. It also contains a lower degree of sugar.
By contrast, Puramino offers a little less energy, but more protein and fat, and slightly more sugar.
Puramino also contains lower quality ingredients like soy (a potential allergen) and corn syrup (which is often associated with obesity and diabetes).
Overall Alfamino is a better quality product when it comes to ingredients and nutritional value.
Alfamino Vs Puramino – Cost Comparison
Alfamino’s Cost
To buy a single can of Alfamino Infant from Amazon, you will pay $49.45. The vanilla flavor only costs $44.95.
This is expensive, particularly for parents who have a lot of other expenses and may be surviving on one income.
You should discuss your options with your healthcare professional and your insurance company if you are struggling to meet this cost.
We rate this a 3 since there are better quality options on the market for much better prices.
Score: 3 out of 10
Puramino’s Cost
Puramino Toddler costs $919.45 for 20, 400 GMs of powder, or $770.75 for the same amount if you are able to access a discount card.
Puramino Jr costs $1371.60 for 20, 400 GMs of powder, but if you are able to get a discount card, it may only cost $770.75 for the same amount.
To purchase a single pack of Puramino from Walmart, you will pay $47.46, and for a 4 pack, you will pay $159.92.
This formula is also expensive and out of reach for many young parents, so you should discuss your options with your healthcare professional and your insurance company.
Just like we mentioned with Alfamino, there are better lower-cost options in the market which is why we also rate Puramino a 3.
Score: 3 out of 10
How They Compare
Both of these formulas are extremely expensive, which may push you to look at cheaper, off-brand options.
Puramino tends to work out slightly cheaper if you are purchasing it from Walmart vs purchasing Alfamino from Amazon, but both of these powders are very expensive if you are not able to get them on your insurance.
Alfamino vs Puramino – Flavor Comparizon
Alfamino’s Flavors
If you choose the Alfamino Infant option, there are no flavor choices; you can only pick the plain flavoring.
If you choose the Junior option, there is a vanilla flavor. The availability may be limited.
Score: 4 out of 10
Puramino’s Flavors
There are no flavor options when it comes to Puramino’s Infant formula. You can only choose the basic formula, which tastes reasonable, but is not likely to appeal to an infant.
If you are onto the Junior version of the Puramino formula, you do have the option of a vanilla-flavored formula.
Score: 4 out of 10
How They Compare
Both of these formulas offer one flavor in their Junior range and none in their Infant range.
With that said, they do offer a better taste than the other anti-allergy infant formulas, so even the plain version is likely to be acceptable to most babies and toddlers.
Alfamino Vs Puramino – Potential Allergens
Alfamino’s Allergens
Alfamino is certified as gluten-free, making it suitable for babies suffering from gluten intolerance or celiac disease. It is suitable for babies with lactose intolerance, but not for those that suffer from galactosemia.
Score: 7 out of 10
Puramino’s Allergens
Puramino is lactose-free and does not contain any ingredients that are known to trigger gluten allergies or celiac disease. It is not certified as gluten-free but is not known to be otherwise.
The biggest downside with Puramino as far as allergens are soy. Soy is a common allergen, particularly in infants. If your baby is allergic to soy, this formula is not going to be a good choice.
Score: 4 out of 10
How They Compare
Although both Puramino and Alfamino are lactose-free, only Alfamino is certified as being free from gluten. Puramino should be gluten-free, but it is not certified as such.
The Breakdown
Overall, Alfamino and Puramino have a lot in common, but there are some differences between the two products.
Alfamino | Puramino | |
---|---|---|
Nutritional value | 6 | 3 |
Cost | 3 | 3 |
Flavor Availability | 4 | 4 |
Potential allergens | 7 | 4 |
Total score | 22 | 14 |
Check Price | Check Price |
Alfamino Vs Puramino – The Winner
Alfamino is the clear winner of the two brands.
The biggest difference between the two products was the ingredients and their nutritional value.
While both products are designed for infants and toddlers with food allergies, only Alfamino is certified as being free from gluten.
Puramino also contains soy which could be a potential issue for children with soy allergies.
Its main source of sugar is corn syrup which we tend to shy away from when it comes to our children.