What is Similac High Energy?
Similac High Energy is a nutritionally complete, high-energy infant formula designed for special medical purposes and intended for infants from birth up to 8kg, or 18 months, who have or are at risk of faltering growth. This ready-to-use liquid formula is prescribed by healthcare professionals to help address inadequate energy intake. Unlike standard formulas, its concentrated nutrient profile is tailored to meet the increased energy needs of certain infants.
Core Macronutrient Composition
Similac High Energy’s energy-dense nature is derived from its carefully balanced blend of macronutrients. According to manufacturer datasheets, the formula’s nutritional content per 100ml breaks down into approximately 10.38% protein, 48.5% fat, and 40.3% carbohydrates.
The primary ingredients contributing to this profile are:
- Water: The base for the liquid formulation.
- Carbohydrates: The main sources are maltodextrin and lactose. Maltodextrin, a complex carbohydrate, provides a steady source of energy, while lactose is the natural sugar found in milk.
- Proteins: The formula uses skimmed milk powder and whey protein concentrate. This blend of milk proteins provides the amino acids necessary for growth and development.
- Fats: The fat blend includes vegetable oils such as high oleic sunflower oil, coconut oil, and soy oil. This combination of fats is selected to provide a suitable fatty acid profile for infants, with one key benefit being enhanced calcium absorption for better bone mineralisation.
Specialized Fatty Acids: DHA and ARA
Beyond the basic fat blend, Similac High Energy is enriched with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) to support key developmental areas.
- Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): Sourced from C. cohnii oil, DHA is crucial for brain and visual development.
- Arachidonic Acid (ARA): Sourced from M. alpina oil, ARA is another vital fatty acid for infant development.
Comprehensive Vitamin and Mineral Blend
To ensure complete and balanced nutrition, Similac High Energy is fortified with a wide spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals.
Vitamins:
- Fat-soluble vitamins: Vitamin A palmitate, D3, E, and K1.
- Water-soluble vitamins: Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), various B vitamins (Thiamin B1, Riboflavin B2, B6, B12), Niacin, Folic acid, Pantothenic acid, and Biotin.
Minerals:
- Calcium carbonate
- Potassium citrate
- Magnesium chloride
- Sodium citrate
- Ferrous sulphate (Iron)
- Zinc sulphate
- Potassium phosphate
- Potassium chloride
- Copper sulphate
- Manganese sulphate
- Potassium iodide
- Sodium selenate
- Sodium chloride.
Other Functional Ingredients
Several other components are added to the formula to mimic some of the beneficial qualities of breast milk and aid in overall development.
- Nucleotides: Added to promote a strong immune system. These are included as cytidine 5'-monophosphate, adenosine 5'-monophosphate, disodium uridine 5'-monophosphate, and disodium guanosine 5'-monophosphate.
- Prebiotics: Contains galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), which naturally support the developing immune system and digestive health.
- Emulsifiers: Soy lecithin is used to help blend the formula's fat and water-based components.
- Other Nutrients: M-inositol, taurine, and L-carnitine are also present.
Comparison Table: Similac High Energy vs. Standard Formula
To illustrate the difference in energy density, here is a comparison between Similac High Energy and a standard infant formula.
| Feature | Similac High Energy (per 100ml) | Standard Term Formula (approx. per 100ml) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | ~100 kcal | ~68 kcal | Higher energy density |
| Protein | 2.60 g | Lower | Higher protein concentration |
| Fat | 4.85 g | Varies, typically lower | Higher fat concentration |
| Carbohydrates | 7.6 g | Varies, typically lower | Higher carbohydrate concentration |
| Application | For faltering growth, high energy needs | For healthy, full-term infants | Specialized vs. Standard |
Conclusion
Similac High Energy is a sophisticated nutritional supplement with a complex array of ingredients designed to meet the specific, elevated energy and nutritional needs of infants with faltering growth. Its formulation, which includes a balanced mix of macronutrients, specialized fatty acids like DHA and ARA, and a rich vitamin and mineral profile, is crafted to support catch-up growth and immune system development. It is important to remember that due to its specialized nature, this formula should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. For specific product details, consult the manufacturer's datasheets Abbott Nutrition Ireland.
Caveats and Allergens
- Allergies: Similac High Energy contains milk and soy ingredients and is not suitable for infants with a cow's milk protein allergy or soy allergy.
- Lactose Intolerance: As the formula contains lactose, it is not suitable for infants with lactose intolerance or galactosaemia.
- Medical Supervision: The formula is a food for special medical purposes and must be used under medical supervision, especially for premature or very-low-birth-weight infants who are more susceptible to gastrointestinal complications.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the ingredients in Similac High Energy, but consulting a healthcare provider is essential before introducing any specialized formula to an infant's diet.
