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Overwhelmed by the vast formula choices available on the shelves? You are not alone. A quick stroll down the infant formula section can send even the most seasoned parents into a frenzy. But that is not good either for you or your baby, which is why we have taken it upon ourselves to get you the most updated, detailed, and most accurate information on baby formulas. And on our comparison schedule, today is Kendamil vs Aptamil.
Though both are formulated to provide your baby with the much-needed nutrients, they have some interesting similarities and differences, diverse user reviews, and equally fascinating alternatives that we feel you should get acquainted with before you settle on either. And starting us off are the main differences.
The main differences between Kendamil vs Aptamil are:
Kendamil includes only prebiotics in its formulas, whereas Aptamil formulas contain only prebiotics or both prebiotic and probiotics.
Kendamil contains only an Organic galacto-oligosaccharide as fibre for the probiotic, whereas Aptamil contains both Galacto-Oligosaccharides (GOS) and Fructo-Oligosaccharides (FOS) for the beneficial gut bacteria.
Kendamil uses DHA-rich Algal oil from wet biomass thus avoiding most vegetable-based oils, whereas Aptamil does not.
Kendamil uses a special blend of vegetable oil made of sunflower, coconut, and canola oil (improves calcium absorption and reduce soap formation in the gut), whereas Aptamil uses a blend of Palm Oil, Coconut Oil, Rapeseed Oil, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Sunflower Oil. Palm oil is especially not good. See here.
Kendamil has an exclusively organic range of products, whereas Aptamil has both organic and non-organic baby products.
Kendamil is strictly a non-GMO ingredient based product line, whereas Aptamil is not strictly non-GMO (Uses corn oil in some of its products)
Kendamil does not contain a Dairy based Blend that is partially fermented, whereas Aptamil contains a Dairy-Based Blend of which 29% is fermented.
Kendamil uses palmitic acid as an ingredient (improves calcium absorption, enhances digestibility and fat absorption, and minimizes constipation), whereas Aptamil does not use palmitic acid as an ingredient.
Kendamil vs Aptamil Formula Comparisson
Kendamil vs Aptamil are accredited by the most stringent of regulating bodies in the name of European Commission, contain fortified minerals and vitamins for better growth, prebiotics for beneficial gut bacteria, strangely, they are priced differently, have contrasting reviews, and have slight variations in their ingredients.
But what is in an ingredient, or how influential can a review be? Read on to have this and much more answered.
Dedicated with unparalleled love to give caregivers and infants the best quality formulas, sweetened with natural whole milk, committed to producing an organic replica of breast milk, in pursuit of a sustainable environment, compliant with the most stringent of regulation, compulsively seeking to produce the healthiest and safest of formulas, and continuously bettering their yesterday’s recipe has been the defining pillars of Kendamil.
It such crystal, unwavering and laser-sharp vision that has propelled Kendamil to be one of the best, most natural, nutritious, and healthy formula whose recipes ingredients include;
100% Organic
Simply put, organic farming implies rearing livestock and growing crops without using any synthetic-based fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or even any form of genetically modified organisms. But Kendamil does this and goes a step further.
For closer monitoring, Kendamil contracts whole milk suppliers from farmers from within the vast plains of Yorkshire, Kent, and Somerset. These cows are ethically treated, with each allowed to freely roam and graze from the natural nutritious grasses and pastures from the field.
During summer, the cows’ feedstuff is supplemented with hay and silage conserved over winter. They are later ushered to roofed, draught free and well-lit houses ensuring that the cows lead a stress-free life.
The end result is a letdown of milk that is rich in Omega 3 fats (ARA), and CLA fatty acids that see to it that your infant’s eye and brain development is optimal.
No palm Oil, only Natural and Healthy Fats
To match the composition of breast milk and guidelines by regulating bodies like the EU, FDA, WHO among others, formula-producing companies add vegetable oils and skimmed milk (non-fat). While these plant and animal-based additives have little to no effect on infants, except palm oil, the plant-based ones derail plans of increasing forest cover and reversing climate change.
Palm oil on the other hand significantly reduces calcium and fat absorption in infants leading to discomfort and constipation. But not with Kendamil.
To reduce the need for higher vegetable oil amounts, Kendamil uses natural full cream cow milk fat. The kind of milk full of oligo-glyceride (read medium as opposed to high) that is high in palmitic acid and that minimizes constipation, increases fat and calcium absorption, and has better infant digestibility.
Non-Allergic and Vegetarian Friendly
To grow optimal, and be able to withstand a number of infections, infants require a healthy source of DHA and ARA whose main source, if not from breast milk, is from fish oil. But Kendamil understands that some babies may be allergic to fish products or the hexane solvents used in the oil extraction.
It is why Kendamil sources it just as fish does, algae.
Kendamil goes directly to the source, decants the oil from DHA – rich algae ensuring that the oil is free of any residual solvents should they have used hexane. The end result is DHA/ARA rich formula that is nutritionally superior and usable by both vegetarians and allergic infants.
Uses Organic Whole Milk
Research has shown that whole milk is rich in naturally occurring minerals and fat-soluble vitamins necessary for proper infant growth and development. Additionally, it contains significant amounts of Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) that supports mental development in infants.
Cognizant of these, Kendamil uses a whole milk base with the highest amounts of full cream nutrients across Europe. This is unlike its competitors who skimp on quality and opt for cheaper skimmed milk, that later necessitate mineral and vitamin addition to mirror the composition of breast milk.
Even better is that with whole milk, there is no need for sweeteners as it gives the formula a naturally sweet taste that makes it palatable and a high degree of acceptance by infants.
Lactose from Whole Milk
As the main carbohydrate source, lactose is better digested by the infant. It also has the advantage of taking longer to be digested implying that, your infants stay fuller for longer and does not get sudden glucose increments.
Their choice of carbohydrate source and amounts is in tandem with European commission that recommends up to 30% lactose content in organic formulas. This is so unlike other formulas that opt for cheaper harmful alternatives like corn syrup, sucrose and maltodextrin.
Minerals and Vitamins
Kendamil, being well aware of the role these classes of nutrients play, includes most vitamins and salts of most minerals in their formulas in bioavailable forms.
Kendamil’s Main Ingredients
Organic skimmed milk
Vitamin K
Organic vegetable oils
Calcium citrate
L-carnitine
Sodium citrate
Organic galacto-oligosaccharide
Riboflavin
Biotin
Vitamin E
Omega 6 and 3
Palmitic acid
Vitamin A
Organic whole milk
Vitamin C
Organic demineralized milk whey protein (whey protein unpacked ) powder
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Kendamil Reviews
Most users are contented with the creamy texture, luscious smell, and great taste. They were also quick to add that their website is user-friendly, saves them money, and sees to it that they have their deliveries on time at their door. Some others noted that it is highly digestible leaving their infants free of colic, not fussy, not constipated, and fuller for longer.
A few others have registered disappointment noting that it left their babies with bouts of constipation and that it was too bubbly.
Backed by years of research into the early life of infants, led by nutritionists and pediatricians, and focused on providing your baby with nothing but the best is Aptamil’s intrinsic driving force.
Their efforts haven’t been futile either, boasting of a whole range of nutritionally balanced formulas, internationally accredited products, environmentally friendly sourcing, and globally sought-after formulas have been the culmination of Aptamil’s years of manufacturing. Here is a preview of their formula ingredients;
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Probiotics are good gut bacteria that are important as they support digestion. Prebiotics on the other hand are plant or animal-based linked sugar chains that provide food for these probiotics.
The human body produces them but not in sufficient amounts hence needs to supplement especially in babies. And that is why Aptamil includes them as an ingredient in their baby product so as to give your baby an upper edge in digestion.
Their unique and patented blend of Galacto-Oligosaccharides (GOS) and Fructo-Oligosaccharides (FOS) specially drawn from a wide range of plants, see to it that the probiotics are fed, and thrive to ensure efficient digestion for your infant. See more on prebiotics and probiotics.
Minerals and Vitamins
These inorganic elements are essential diet elements. Broadly, these minerals can be classed into major and minor with the major being required in copious amounts, while minor is required in trace or minute amounts. Major minerals include sodium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Potassium, Chloride, and Calcium while the minor include Zinc, Manganese, and copper.
Their roles include iron for blood formation, calcium and Vitamin D for strong bones and growth, Zinc, Iron and Vitamins A, C & D to boost the immune system, and DHA for better eye development. But unlike in breast milk, the composition of these minerals in cow’s milk is slightly different and these affect their bioavailability for absorption and digestion.
This is why Aptamil supplements them through inorganic salts such as Sodium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate among many others.
Lactose
Babies naturally produce lactase enzymes that break down lactose to glucose and galactose. These are simple forms in which lactose is absorbed.
With the knowledge and experience amassed over the years, Aptamil knows this too well hence sources for whole milk with just adequate amounts of lactose for the formulation of its baby formulas. To make the formula easily mix with the water and oils, it throws in some skimmed milk that has emulsifiers and stabilizers.
Whey Protein (from Milk)
For proteins, Aptamil uses demineralized whey milk, among many others to ensure that the cells of your baby’s body are optimally growing, and still adequate enough for the production of enzymes and hormones. The science behind whey protein has benefits that are two-pronged. One, just like breast milk that has high whey protein to lactose, whey has an almost similar ratio making it almost similar to breast milk.
Secondly, it improves digestion in infants who are lactose intolerant plus makes available more essential amino acids. And lastly, make the formula more stable.
Vegetable oils
To match the complex fatty acids found in breast milk, a blend of different vegetable oils are used. In Aptamil the blend includes oils such as Sunflower Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, and Palm Oil. Other than trying to mimic breast milk fatty acids, they are an essential fat source that forms fat layers that insulate the baby against heat loss, as well as being utilized on rare occasions as energy for the growing infant.
Dairy-Based Blend
To minimize reliance on artificial sweeteners and additives, Aptamil uses Dairy-Based Blend, of which 29% are fermented. The reason for avoiding artificial sweeteners and additives is because they tend to predispose infants to obesity and other heart-related malfunctions.
With Dairy-Based Blend as in Aptamil, and partially fermented in this case, infants reap multiple benefits including reduced risk of metabolic disorders and a boost to the immune system resisting capabilities.
Aptamil’s Main Ingredients
Disclaimer: Ingredients vary from one stage to another and also with time.
Vegetable oils
Demineralized whey milk
Lactose
Skimmed milk
Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) – obtained from milk
This formula milk is adapted to the specific nutritional needs of your child during the growth period and provides your child with important minerals and vitamins.
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Pros
Gluten-free
Easy to digest
Some variants are Non-GMO
Helps with colic.
Available in sachets – cheaper and more convenient
Cons
Has palm – reduces calcium and fat absorption (See here)
Has fish oil that may be allergic and vegan unfriendly.
Pricier as compared to other infant formulas.
Aptamil Reviews
Some users note that it is the best bargain they ever got noting how helpful it was with relieving colic, has palatable taste hence highly acceptable, does not leave infants fussy and instead gives them the much needed uninterrupted hours of sleep. More others were happy with how it easily dissolves, dispersing evenly with no visible clumps.
Some other customers were very cheated and shortchanged, they noted that their infants threw up after feeds, had colic-like discomforts, and were heavy on the delicate tummies and that the formula was way sweeter as compared to other formulas.
Alternatives to Kendamil and Aptamil
We understand that there is never a perfect or ideal formula, and so it is perfectly normal that Kendamil or Aptamil didn’t quite get you ticking. That is why we have compiled other equally competitive and nutritious formulas for your to consider;
Founded in 2012, and later released in 2019, Loulouka is an organic formula from Switzerland that is free of palm oil, soy oil and has skimmed milk for a base. Launched to redefine industry standards Loulouka, based on their research and vast experience, has been able to substitute palm oil, soy oil, maltodextrin among other harmful ingredients in their formula.
Their stringent sequential 50 plus quality checks, before further scrutiny, to ensure compliance with EU organic standards, make it one of the safest formulas in the market. You can buy it here or check out our detailed review of Loulouka baby formula.
For nutrition and healthy ingredients, it comes pre-packed with DHA and prebiotics for better digestion, lactose for energy, and a whole range of useful vitamins and minerals. See how Loulouka compares with Hipp or weigh it against Holle here.
This formula is produced in Switzerland, home of the world’s best dairy farms. This high quality organic baby formula comes in an amount of 900 g / 32 oz of formula powder per box.
Nutritionally designed to ensure that your infants get all the nutrients just as he/she could when they are breastfeeding, is Nanny. A synthetic goat milk product that is free of both soy and palm oils and that is best suited for infants with cow milk allergies. See Key Nanny Care Nutrition Features.
With balanced nutrients, Nanny has all it takes to see your baby grow from an infant to a toddler. Their unique blend of fortified minerals and vitamins for healthy growth, Vitamins for a bolstered immune system, Calcium and Vitamin D for strong bones among many other ingredients provide all that is required for a healthy growing infant.
See our Nanny review here or buy it here.
It's REALLY hard to find a reliable supply online. Fortunately, TheMikyBox DOES have it in stock. They also generously have offered readers a 10% off discount with code TBS10 at checkout!
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FAQs
Question: Is it OK to breastfeed and give formula?
Answer: Yes, it is okay to pair breastfeeding and formula. When paired, it is called supplementing and people choose these routes out of necessity, convenience or subjective choice and preference.
Question: Do babies sleep longer on formula?
Answer: Yes, this is because unlike breast milk, the formula takes longer to digest. So babies – wake when hungry or uncomfortable – fed on formula sleep longer and tend to wake less as compared to those who are nursed.
Final Thoughts: Kendamil vs Aptamil
There has been a significant shift to organic products in the recent past. It is no brainer, therefore, to see more and more parents tending to organic baby formula as they are safe, environmentally friendly, and above all tasty and don’t leave babies with colic symptoms.
And this might as well explain why we compared Kendamil vs Aptamil. Here is our verdict.
Designed to be nutritionally as similar as it can get to Breast milk, Kendamil has all the nutritional value your baby needs. Created by industry pioneers, from organically sourced ingredients with no palm oil, no soy products makes Kendamil our top-of-the-shelf go-to formula. We are confident that it is healthy, safe, nutritious, and tasty enough to see your baby grow.
With an intuitive on-the-go packaging, prebiotics, and probiotics for better digestion, naturally sweetened by lactose, and a Dairy-Based Blend that is partially fermented, Aptamil does put up a spirited fight to rank as one of the best baby formulas, which it does.
Nonetheless, it is still no match for the Kendamil organic product line. Not to discourage you, try it out here and drop us a comment on your experience of Kendamil vs Aptamil.
