Similac Sensitive Advance with Early Shield, Infant Formula with Iron, Powder, 12.6-ounces

Common questions

Is Similac Sensitive Advance with Early Shield, Infant Formula with Iron, Powder, 12.6-ounces healthy?

Similac Sensitive Advance with Early Shield, Infant Formula with Iron, Powder, 12.6-ounces scores 68/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This infant formula contains beneficial ingredients such as nonfat milk, lactose, and whey protein concentrate, which provide essential nutrients for infant growth and development.

How processed is Similac Sensitive Advance with Early Shield, Infant Formula with Iron, Powder, 12.6-ounces?

Similac Sensitive Advance with Early Shield, Infant Formula with Iron, Powder, 12.6-ounces is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Similac Sensitive Advance with Early Shield, Infant Formula with Iron, Powder, 12.6-ounces' score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Whey Protein Concentrate, Coconut Oil, Galactooligosaccharides count in its favor; Soy Oil, Soy Lecithin are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Similac Sensitive Advance with Early Shield, Infant Formula with Iron, Powder, 12.6-ounces

Similac
Bioengineered
68 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 7
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Abbott Laboratories
Category Vitamins and Minerals
Summary

This infant formula contains beneficial ingredients such as nonfat milk, lactose, and whey protein concentrate, which provide essential nutrients for infant growth and development. However, the inclusion of soy oil, a seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, and soy lecithin, a processed emulsifier, raises concerns due to potential inflammatory effects and allergen presence. The formula is moderately processed, which is typical for infant formulas, but these ingredient concerns impact its overall healthfulness.

Key ingredients 15

Whey Protein Concentrate
Good

Whey protein concentrate is a high-quality protein source with a complete amino acid profile, supporting muscle and tissue development. It is derived from milk and is easily digestible for infants. It enhances the nutritional profile of the formula.

Benefits

Supports muscle and tissue development with a complete amino acid profile.

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Coconut Oil
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Provides MCTs for quick energy and supports infant development.

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Galactooligosaccharides
Good

Galactooligosaccharides are prebiotics that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting digestive health. They are derived from lactose and mimic the function of human milk oligosaccharides. They enhance the formula's ability to support a healthy gut microbiome.

Benefits

Supports digestive health by promoting beneficial gut bacteria.

Schizochytrium Sp. Oil
Good

Schizochytrium sp. oil is a source of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid crucial for brain and eye development in infants. It is derived from microalgae, providing a sustainable and vegetarian source of DHA. Its inclusion supports cognitive and visual development.

Benefits

Provides DHA for brain and eye development, supporting cognitive and visual health.

Beta-Carotene
Good

Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, essential for vision and immune function. It is a natural antioxidant that supports overall health. Its inclusion in infant formula helps ensure adequate vitamin A intake.

Benefits

Supports vision and immune function as a precursor to vitamin A.

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Lutein
Good

Lutein is a carotenoid that supports eye health and development, particularly in infants. It is naturally found in breast milk and is important for retinal health. Its inclusion in formula helps support visual development.

Benefits

Supports eye health and development, particularly retinal health.

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Ascorbic Acid
Good

Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is essential for immune function and collagen synthesis. It acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. Its inclusion in formula supports overall health and development.

Benefits

Supports immune function and collagen synthesis, acting as an antioxidant.

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Nonfat Milk
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Benefits

Provides essential nutrients like protein and calcium, supporting growth and bone health.

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Lactose
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Benefits

Supports energy needs and promotes healthy gut flora in infants.

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High Oleic Safflower Oil
Neutral

High oleic safflower oil is used for its monounsaturated fat content, which is more stable and less inflammatory than regular safflower oil. It is processed to reduce linoleic acid, making it suitable for infant formulas. It provides a source of fat necessary for energy and development.

Benefits

Provides stable monounsaturated fats that support energy needs and development.

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M. Alpina Oil
Neutral

M. alpina oil is a source of arachidonic acid (ARA), an omega-6 fatty acid important for brain and muscle development. It is derived from fungi and is included to mimic the fatty acid profile of breast milk. It supports infant growth and development.

Benefits

Supports brain and muscle development with ARA, mimicking breast milk.

Potassium Citrate
Neutral

Potassium citrate is used to regulate acidity and provide potassium, an essential mineral for heart and muscle function. It is generally recognized as safe for use in infant formulas. It helps maintain electrolyte balance.

Benefits

Helps maintain electrolyte balance and supports heart and muscle function.

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Calcium Carbonate
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Benefits

Supports bone and teeth development by providing essential calcium.

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Soy Lecithin
Bad

Soy lecithin is an emulsifier derived from soybeans, used to stabilize the formula. It is a processed ingredient that may contain traces of allergens. Its use is common in processed foods but raises concerns for those with soy allergies.

Risks

May contain traces of allergens and is a processed ingredient.

See more about Soy Lecithin →
Soy Oil
Very Bad

Soy oil is a seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation when consumed in excess. It is heavily processed, which may introduce harmful compounds. Its inclusion in infant formula is concerning due to potential long-term health impacts.

Risks

High omega-6 content may promote inflammation and is heavily processed.

See more about Soy Oil →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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