GENERAL FAQs
1.What has changed?
Both the composition and the packaging of Aptamil have changed. The requirements with regard to the composition have been adapted to the new EU regulations and the latest scientific insights. For all infant formula and follow-on milk DHA is now a mandatory ingredient and the amounts of vitamins and minerals have been adjusted. The packaging has also been adjusted, so that you can better distinguish the food for medical use, infant formula and follow-on milk and find it on the shelves more easily.
2. What is the advantage for my baby compared to the previous formula?
For Aptamil 1,2,3,4: With the use of the unique process compared to the previous formula, Pronutra Advance encompasses our knowledge and latest discoveries based on more than 40 years of research inspired by breast-milk. Also, this formula has a change in the LCP levels, DHA and AA levels, and in vitamin and minerals composition as required in the New European Regulation. It also contains HMO 3’-GL which is produced during the unique process.
3. What does next generation formula/Pronutra Advance mean?
By next generation formula, we mean that we are constantly looking for ways to further develop our formulas. Indeed, for 40 years, we have been pioneering research inspired by breast milk to understand how it supports your baby’s immune system. This has enabled us to develop improved, next-generation Aptamil milk. It’s the only formula with Pronutra – Advance combining our unique blend of nutrients in with an advanced process. It is specifically tailored to support your baby’s immune system thanks to vitamins C and D. It now contains HMO (3GL) in Pronutra.
4. Which products contain Pronutra ADVANCE?
Aptamil 1, 2, 3, 4, as well as Aptamil AR products contain Pronutra Advance.
5. What does 50 years of research inspired by breast-milk mean?
For more than 50 years, we have been pioneering research inspired by breast-milk. Our team of more than 500 experts and scientists have been studying the qualities and composition of breastmilk, and conducting research on immune system. Nutricia has dedicated research centers in The Netherlands (Utrecht) and Singapore with experts in the fields of:
- Breastfeeding research;
- Growth and developmental physiology;
- Immune system;
- Gut Health;
- Nutrition and sensory sciences;
- Product development, process technologies and packaging.
6. How is Pronutra ADVANCE different from the other brands in the market?
Pronutra ADVANCE is the first and only formula in the market combining our unique blend of nutrients with an advanced process. It contains HMO (3GL) naturally found in breast milk. The formula is patented and exclusive to the Aptamil brand. It is the result of 40 years of pioneering research inspired by breast-milk done by our team of experts and scientists.
7. Is the new Pronutra advance available in liquid?
No, the new Pronutra ADVANCE is available in 400g tins and 800g EZPs.
8. Why does stage 1 has a different claim vs stage 2 /3..?
We fully support the World Health Organization in their mission to promote and protect breastfeeding during the first two years of life (after 6 months if advised by HCP with combined feeding). To fully comply with the mission of the WHO we follow the latest published European and International laws and regulations on labelling of our products. This results in different communication and claims on Aptamil 1, 2 and 3.
Our stage 1 product is designed as a sole source of nutrition for babies from birth onwards if your baby is not being breastfed or if you are combination feeding.
9. Is the product the same formula as in the UK?
We would like to reassure the parents that the quality and safety of our products is our number one priority. Regarding to your question, it is important to share that we have undertaken extensive quality and safety checks, including clinical trials, product testing and product experience tests on these products and they evidenced to be safe for consumers, and because of that, the case was successfully closed and the formula accepted by UK authorities. We have updated the mixing instructions on our packs as this new formula requires parents to mix it up slightly differently, compared to the previous formulation – specifically, shaking vigorously and vertically for 10 seconds to dissolve the powder immediately after the powder and the water are together. Indeed, the formula is the same than UK formula.
10. If this new Pronutra Advance engine is so good, why is it not in your whole range?
Our new Pronutra Advance formula is only available for our base milks for healthy infants. If an HCP recommended you to take a specialist milk for your child, we advise you to do so. Our range of specialist milk is tailored to support the dietary requirements of babies diagnosed with medical conditions, disorders or disease such as colic, reflux or cows’ milk protein allergy. Therefore, these formulas need to be specially designed for babies with these specific needs.
11. I see that the look & feel of the Aptamil packaging has changed, why is this?
Together with the launch of our next generation patented formula, we have also launched a new modern design for our Aptamil brand. This new design includes new colors to help you navigate through our portfolio more easily for example when looking for the stage suitable for your child.
COMPOSITION, TASTE & EXPERIENCE
1 .What is new with Pronutra ADVANCE vs. the previous Pronutra? What is the improvement in composition?
Pronutra ADVANCE is the first and only formula in the market combining our unique blend of nutrients with a unique process. It also contains HMO 3’-GL which is produced during the unique process. The formula is patented and exclusive to the Aptamil brand. It is the result of 40 years of pioneering research inspired by breast-milk done by our team of experts and scientists.
2. Why do you call this Pronutra ADVANCE now? The ingredients involved were already used in the formula?
Pronutra – Advance is our new formula combining our unique blend of nutrients with an advanced process. The ingredient list is similar to the one before as the process applied to the formula cannot be listed as an ingredient. However, this process is enhancing our formula. It is the only formula combining our unique blend of nutrients and process together. This formula contains Human Milk Oligosaccharide (3GL) naturally found in breast milk. It also has a change in the LCP levels, DHA:AA levels, and in vitamin- and minerals composition as required in the New EU Regulation.
3. What does HMO mean?
HMO means Human milk oligosaccharides. Those are carbohydrates (fibers) which are structurally identical than the ones which can be found in human milk.
4. Is it a problem to combine the old and new product?
It is no problem to combine both products. It is possible that your little one’s intestines have to get used to the switch. Whenever possible, we would like to advise you to stay on the new composition once you have made the switch. in case you have any doubts or specific questions, please, consult with your HCP.
5. Why has Aptamil changed? The old formula was just fine for my baby.
We always want to provide the best for your baby. With the addition of the unique process compared to the previous formula, Pronutra Advance encompasses our knowledge and latest discoveries based on more than 40 years of research inspired by breast-milk. This formula has a change in the LCP levels, DHA & AA levels, and in vitamin- and minerals composition as required in the New Regulation. It also contains HMO 3’GL, structurally identical HMO structure. 3’GL comes from our unique process.
6. I do not trust the product/formula. The new product has more lumps / residues in the bottle than the previous one, is it normal?
Since this is a new formula the best way of preparing has changed a little in comparison to your current recipe. When reconstituting the formula, we advise you to, immediately after the powder addition, shake vertically vigorously for a minimum of 10s. And not to roll. We will indeed notice a slightly bigger amount of lumps, which is totally normal due to the new components.
7. Will my baby tolerate the new formula?
The formula is very well tolerated by infants, but should be done in a proper way. We recommend a transition when changing a formula by adding 1 bottle of the new formula each day -> this may help your baby to have a gentle transition and so a better a tolerance, depending on each baby, (please, add or change according to local practices or regulation if applicable). When in doubt, always consult your doctor, midwife or health visitor for advice about feeding your baby including the use of this product. Your baby may need some time to adapt to the new formula, but rest assured that any slight changes in digestion should only be minimal and temporary.
8. Does a child have to get used to this change? My baby is currently on the old Aptamil. How could I do the transition from the old to the new formula? / Could any difficulties appear during transition to this new formula? E.g. abdominal pain, flatulence, regurgitation/vomiting,…
We do not expect major changes. The formula is very well tolerated by infants, but should be done in a proper way. We recommend a transition when changing a formula by adding 1 bottle of the new formula each day -> this may help your baby to have a gentle transition and so a better a tolerance, depending on each baby, (please, add or change according to local practices or regulation if applicable). When in doubt, always consult your doctor, midwife or health visitor for advice about feeding your baby including the use of this product. Your baby may need some time to adapt to the new formula, but rest assured that any slight changes in digestion should only be minimal and temporary. The formula is safe as tested in our clinical studies. We apply very high and strict quality standards to assure safe products for the most vulnerable. Your baby may need some time to adapt to the new formula, but rest assured that any slight changes in digestion should only be minimal and temporary.
9. I do not want to switch to the new Aptamil. Is the old formula still available?
The former Aptamil formula Pronutra in powder is being discontinued. It might take a few weeks for our new formula to be fully available in store, but you should expect to not find the former product in the future (to specify date to the consumer). For 40 years, we have been pioneering breast milk research to understand how it supports your baby’s immune system. This has enabled us to develop improved, next-generation Aptamil milk. It’s the only formula with Pronutra – Advance combining our unique blend of nutrients in an advanced process. It contains Human Milk Oligosaccharide (3’GL) naturally found in breast milk. It is specifically tailored to support your baby’s immune system thanks to vitamins A, C and D.
10. For whom is this new formula suitable?
This formula is suitable for healthy infants from 0 to 6 months (infant formula), infants from 6 to 12 (follow on formula) and young children after 1 year (young child formula). Breastmilk is best for your baby and we advice to consult your health care professional before considering changing to Aptamil formula.
11. Which Aptamil is closest to breastmilk?
Breastmilk is best for your baby and we advice to consult your health care professional before considering changing to Aptamil formula. Aptamil Pronutra Advance follow on milk is based on more than 40 years of research inspired by breastmilk. Aptamil Pronutra advance follow on milk is our most advanced formulation yet. It contains our highest level of HumanMilk Oligosaccharides (3’GL) naturally found in BM.
12. Which Aptamil is best to support my baby’s immune system?
Our Aptamil follow on milk and young child formula is aimed to support baby’s immune system due to vitamins C and D which contribute to the normal function of the immune system. We have developed a complete portfolio nutritionally tailored to support a baby’s development.
13. Do I have to prepare the new Aptamil differently than normal?
Please consider that the preparation method have changed, when preparing the formula, we advise you to immediately after the powder addition, shake vertically vigorously for a minimum of 10 seconds, at the temperature recommended in the packaging label, after you mixed the right quantity of water and powder, according to label instructions. And not to roll. Therefore always follow the instructions on the packaging when preparing the formula.