Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, PREGESTIMIL, with iron, powder, with ARA and DHA, not reconstituted
Whole food · Baby Foods
Photo: Wikipedia
Pregestimil is a specialized, hypoallergenic infant formula powder designed for babies with sensitive digestive systems, particularly those with cow's milk protein allergy or malabsorption issues. It has a fine, pale yellow powder texture that dissolves into a smooth, creamy liquid with a mild, slightly sweet taste. Nutritionally, it's a dense, high-calorie formula (517 kcal/100g) fortified with iron, ARA, and DHA to support growth and brain development.
Calorie split: 11% protein · 40% carbs · 49% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
Parents and caregivers rely on it because it often resolves distressing symptoms like persistent crying, reflux, or diarrhea in sensitive infants, providing crucial peace of mind. Its specialized nutrition is trusted to support healthy development when standard formulas fail.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The formula is expensive and has a distinctive, sometimes noted odor that can be off-putting to some. It's a medical food that should only be used under the guidance of a pediatrician or dietitian, as it's not intended for healthy infants without a diagnosed condition.
Key benefits
- Hypoallergenic formula for sensitive digestive systems
- Contains ARA and DHA for brain and visual development
- Fortified with iron to prevent deficiency
- Provides complete nutrition for infants with special dietary needs
- High in fat and calories to support catch-up growth
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Pregestimil's fat blend includes medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easier for babies with fat malabsorption issues to digest and absorb compared to standard long-chain fats.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 2.6 g |
| Energy | 517 kcal |
| Energy | 2162 kj |
| Protein | 14.0 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 28.0 g |
| Ash | 3.2 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 52.2 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 4.1 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 470 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 9.0 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 40.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 260 mg |
| Potassium, K | 550 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 240 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 5.0 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.38 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 14.0 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 60.0 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.40 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.45 mg |
| Niacin | 5.0 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.30 mg |
| Folate, total | 80.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 80.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 136 ug |
| Choline, total | 120 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.5 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 1.5 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 530 ug |
| Retinol | 530 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 1767 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 13.4 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 13.4 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 250 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 6.3 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 60.0 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 16.5 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 10.6 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 4.1 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.2 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.42 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.04 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 3.9 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 3.9 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 6.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 4.7 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.48 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 | 2.0 mg |
FAQ
What makes Pregestimil different from regular infant formula?
It uses extensively hydrolyzed protein, where the milk proteins are broken down into tiny pieces that are far less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. It also has a specific fat blend with MCTs for better absorption.
Can I switch my baby to Pregestimil without a doctor's advice?
No. This is a specialty formula for specific medical conditions like cow's milk protein allergy. A pediatrician must diagnose the need and guide its use to ensure proper nutrition.
Why does the prepared formula look or smell different?
The hydrolyzed protein and specialized oil blend can give it a distinct, sometimes slightly tangy or 'cheesy' aroma and a thinner consistency than standard formula. This is normal for hypoallergenic formulas.
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 5.17 kcal/g · 11% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 4.1 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: 0.44 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.