Differences Between Similac Advance & EarlyShield

Similac infant formula contains trademark ingredients for the healthy development of growing babies.

Abbott Laboratories manufactures Similac infant formulas. Similac Advance is a line of infant formula manufactured under the Similac product name. EarlyShield is a trademark ingredient owned by Similac that contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (ARA) and lutein. Similac markets this combination of nutrients as being most effective at contributing to healthy brain and eye development in growing infants.

Similac Advance

Similac Advance contains the combination of ingredients that make up the EarlyShield nutrient recipe. Similac claims that Similac Advance, like its other formulas, does not contain palm olein oil. Similac studies claim this oil inhibits bone development because it binds calcium to fats, which keeps calcium from being absorbed into the body. As a result, this line of formula also contributes to the development of strong bones. Similac Advance is the standard line of Similac infant formula manufactured by Similac.

EarlyShield

EarlyShield is a trademark logo owned by Abbott Laboratories. The EarlyShield logo promises that the product includes DHA and ARA for brain and eye development. The lutein additive promotes eye development and provides antioxidants that combat free radicals. The EarlyShield in Similac infant formula also contains immune-supporting nucleotides for cell formation and prebiotics (healthy bacteria) that contribute to a healthy digestive tract.

Trademark Laws

Other infant formula brands can include DHA and ARA ingredients, but the manufacturers of these brands cannot market that combination of ingredients as EarlyShield. Because of trademark laws, the EarlyShield name and formula belong to Abbott. Abbott Laboratories must grant permission before any company can use the EarlyShield logo.

Considerations

Similac Advance and Similac Advance Organic are not the only line of formulas made by Similac, and not all Similac formulas contain the EarlyShield recipe. For example, Similac Sensitive Spit-Up formula does not contain EarlyShield. Other Similac formulas that do not contain the EarlyShield ingredient do not do so because the formula targets specific medical or dietary conditions

References

• Similac: Benefits of Similac
• Similac: EarlyShield
• Similac: Immune System
• Similac: Strong Bones
• Similac: Carotenoids
• Similac: Sensitive for Spit-Up

Resources

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