Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, SIMILAC, NEOSURE, powder, with ARA and DHA
Whole food · Baby Foods
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a specialized, nutrient-dense infant formula powder designed for premature or low-birth-weight babies. It has a fine, pale yellow texture that mixes into a smooth, creamy liquid. Its nutritional profile is carefully engineered to support catch-up growth, featuring a high calorie count and added DHA and ARA for brain and eye development.
Calorie split: 11% protein · 40% carbs · 49% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
Parents and caregivers trust it for its clinical pedigree and the peace of mind it provides, knowing it delivers targeted nutrition for vulnerable newborns. Its reliable mixability and consistent taste are also appreciated during stressful feeding routines.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The formula is a medical food with a high sugar content (52.02g per 100g powder), which is intentional for rapid energy but means it's not for general use. It is also a significant expense and can cause digestive upset if not introduced or transitioned properly under medical guidance.
Key benefits
- Provides high-calorie nutrition for accelerated growth
- Enriched with DHA & ARA for brain and vision development
- Contains a tailored protein blend for muscle and tissue growth
- Offers a balanced mix of carbohydrates and fats for energy
- Formulated to meet the unique needs of preterm infants
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The DHA and ARA in formulas like this are often derived from refined oils (like algal and fungal sources), not directly from fish, to ensure purity and avoid common allergens.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 2.3 g |
| Energy | 520 kcal |
| Energy | 2174 kj |
| Protein | 14.4 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 28.3 g |
| Ash | 3.3 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 51.8 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 52.0 g |
| Lactose | 52.0 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 541 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 9.3 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 46.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 319 mg |
| Potassium, K | 731 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 170 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 6.2 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.62 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 51.5 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 11.8 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 77.2 mg |
| Thiamin | 1.1 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.77 mg |
| Niacin | 10.0 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 4.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.52 mg |
| Folate, total | 128 ug |
| Folic acid | 128 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 218 ug |
| Choline, total | 82.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 2.1 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 2.1 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 711 ug |
| Retinol | 711 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 2371 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 8.3 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 8.3 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 361 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 9.0 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 56.7 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 9.9 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.88 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.63 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 3.9 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 1.5 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.1 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.92 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 10.5 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 10.4 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 6.7 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 5.8 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.62 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.17 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.09 g |
| Cholesterol | 14.0 mg |
FAQ
How is this different from regular infant formula?
It has a higher calorie density (24 kcal/fluid ounce when mixed), a different protein source and ratio, and added nutrients like DHA/ARA specifically to support the rapid growth and development of premature babies.
Can I use this formula for a full-term baby?
No. It is a medical nutrition product designed for specific low-birth-weight or premature infants. Using it for a healthy, full-term baby without a doctor's recommendation is not advised.
Why does the nutrition label show such high sugar?
The 'sugar' listed is primarily lactose, the natural carbohydrate in milk, which provides essential energy for a growing baby. The amount is carefully calibrated for the needs of preterm infants.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 5.20 kcal/g · 11% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 52.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.23 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.