Similac Advance Infant Formula 40 oz Can
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This infant formula contains beneficial ingredients like nonfat milk, lactose, and whey protein concentrate, which support infant growth and development. However, it also includes soy oil, a seed oil that is heavily processed and may promote inflammation, and soy lecithin, an emulsifier with potential allergenicity concerns. The product's processing level and inclusion of these processed ingredients limit its health score.
Key ingredients 12
Whey Protein ConcentrateGood
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 protein content of the formula, aiding in growth.
Benefits
Supports muscle growth and repair due to its complete amino acid profile.
Coconut OilGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Provides easily digestible fats that support energy needs and metabolic health.
GalactooligosaccharidesGood
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 growth.
Beta-CaroteneGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Supports vision and immune health by providing a source of vitamin A.
Nonfat MilkNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Benefits
Provides essential nutrients like protein and calcium necessary for bone development and growth in infants.
LactoseNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
Lactose intolerance can cause digestive issues, but this is rare in infants.
Benefits
Supports energy needs and promotes healthy gut flora development in infants.
High Oleic Safflower OilNeutral
High oleic safflower oil is used for its high monounsaturated fat content, which is more stable and less inflammatory than regular safflower oil. It is refined to reduce linoleic acid content, making it more suitable for infant formulas. It provides essential fatty acids necessary for infant development.
Benefits
Provides monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health and development.
Schizochytrium Sp. OilNeutral
Schizochytrium sp. oil is a source of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid important for brain and eye development. It is derived from microalgae, providing a vegetarian source of DHA. It enhances the formula's nutritional profile by contributing essential fatty acids.
Benefits
Provides DHA, supporting brain and eye development in infants.
M. Alpina OilNeutral
M. alpina oil is a source of arachidonic acid (ARA), an omega-6 fatty acid important for brain and immune system development. It is derived from fungi and used in infant formulas to mimic the fatty acid profile of breast milk. It supports the formula's ability to provide essential fatty acids.
Benefits
Supports brain and immune system development by providing ARA.
LuteinNeutral
Lutein is a carotenoid important for eye health, particularly in protecting against oxidative stress. It is naturally found in green leafy vegetables and is added to formulas to support eye development. It enhances the formula's ability to support visual health.
Benefits
Supports eye health by providing antioxidant protection.
Soy LecithinBad
Soy lecithin is an emulsifier used to stabilize formulas, derived from soybeans. It is heavily processed and may contain trace amounts of allergens. Its use is controversial due to potential allergenicity and processing concerns.
Risks
Potential allergenic reactions in sensitive individuals due to soy content.
Soy OilVery Bad
Soy oil is a seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation if consumed in excess. It is heavily processed and refined, which may reduce its nutritional value. Its inclusion in infant formulas is controversial due to potential allergenicity and hormonal effects.
Risks
High omega-6 content may promote inflammation and potential allergenic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Processing
Processed Foods
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