Constipation or Gas? Here is The Similac Alimentum Side Effects

As a parent, especially if this is your first child, you are naturally concerned about providing them with the nutrition they need for a good start.

Some babies cannot take certain formulas or breast milk because of allergies to the proteins they contain or lactose intolerance.

There are options. One is Similac Alimentum. However, Similac alimentum side effects are common in some babies.

The Uses of Alimentum

Similac Alimentum formula is one type that your child’s doctor might suggest changing to for many reasons.

The most recommended method of feeding for babies is breastfeeding, but some babies are lactose intolerant.

How do you know if the problems your baby is having are due to lactose intolerance?

Lactose is a sugar found in breast milk and dairy milk. It is broken down by an enzyme called lactase.

Many babies do not have sufficient lactase to break down the lactose. This can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, gas, and stomach pain.

Reflux is a common symptom of milk allergies. Babies with reflux often have trouble keeping formula down after a feeding.

Their bodies are unable to process the natural proteins that are found in breast milk or certain formulas.

This inability to process the proteins in milk can also result in colic or gas.

Not only is this very uncomfortable for babies, but it is upsetting for parents who are trying to figure out what is wrong when their child is crying constantly.

One of the most common problems for infants is an allergic reaction to certain proteins in cows milk.

Similac Alimentum has hydrolysate or milk proteins. Since they are already broken down somewhat, your baby’s digestive system bypasses this step.

They still get the proteins needed for nutrition without the discomfort.

Bloating, coughing, and wheezing are a few other symptoms of protein allergies that have been relieved by using this formula.

Alimentum has also been prescribed by doctors for premature babies since their bodies often cannot absorb certain nutrients.

If you notice your baby is developing hives or a rash, this can be a symptom of indigestion that is caused when a formula does not agree with him or her.

After a recommendation from their baby’s pediatrician and changing to Similac Alimentum, many parents have reported that these problems disappeared.

What Ingredients Does Alimentum Formula Contain?

The first ingredient in Alimentum formula is Corn Maltodextrin. This white powder is made from corn and used as either a preservative or thickener.

Many children that have corn allergies can still use this formula, while others cannot. It does aggravate the allergies in a small number of children.

Rather than corn syrup or cornstarch that is used in many formulas, Alimentum uses modified tapioca starch and sucrose.

Other ingredients include nutritional sugars and fats.

Both have proteins broken into essential amino acids to provide a number of health benefits for infants.

These amino acids cannot be produced by the body. They must come from food or a supplement.

Another protein used in Alimentum formula is casein hydrolysate, which comes from milk.

When used in this formula, it does not appear to cause any allergic reactions for most children, but it is possible.

Along with these ingredients, Similac Alimentum contains many of the typical vitamins and minerals needed to support growth in babies.

In addition to iron, this formula has ARA and DHA. Both are fatty acids found in breast milk, and they help with the development of your baby’s eyes and brain.

Although studies are ongoing, it is believed that ARA and DHA help to reduce the incidence of respiratory and skin allergies in babies.

Similac Alimentum Side Effects

Getting the proper nutrients is essential to your baby’s growth. Although changing formulas can help with many problems, Similac alimentum side effects are not uncommon.

Does your child seem to be abnormally tired or constantly thirsty?

These side effects, as well as weakness, are some that are listed on the formula label and have been reported by parents.

Other side effects that are quite common with the use of Alimentum formula include diarrhea and dehydration.

Since diarrhea causes a loss of fluid and electrolytes, it can result in dehydration quickly. This can be dangerous, particularly for newborns.

Other side effects that have been experienced by babies taking Similac Alimentum are wheezing and hives.

These are symptoms of milk allergies. It is also possible that your child could show signs of lactose intolerance while on this formula.

Symptoms of these side effects include stomach ache, a bloated stomach, and vomiting.

You can watch Natalie Renner’s vlog talking about her baby’s experience with Milk protein allergy.

Is Diarrhea, Constipation, or Gas a Symptom Caused by Similac Alimentum?

Similac Alimentum is a hypoallergenic formula, meaning that it contains smaller proteins.

This often reduces the chance that your baby’s immune system will fight the proteins and cause an allergic reaction.

Nonetheless, Similac alimentum side effects can include diarrhea, constipation, or gas, depending on your child.

Not all children experience these side effects, but if your baby is lactose intolerant, the proteins in the formula can still cause them.

There are certain steps that can be taken to help relieve some of the symptoms while keeping them on the formula, so they will receive the nutrients needed to grow and develop.

Making absolutely certain the formula is mixed according to the directions can help with diarrhea.

Monitoring this symptom is essential, because it can occur quickly in infants.

Some parents have found that adding fruit or juice to their baby’s diet relieves constipation.

Alimentum will sometimes cause gas, but it will often go away once your baby adjusts to the formula.

Making the right choices for your baby can be overwhelming. Of course, one of the most important things is nutrition.

Breast milk is considered the best option, but it is not always possible for a number of reasons.

Finding the right formula that is closest to breast milk and does not cause your baby discomfort is not always easy.

Luckily there are many more options available today.

Additional information:

Video credits: Natalie Renner.