Frequently Asked Questions

REFORMULATION AND KEY FEATURES

What is new with the Similac GainSchool Reformulation?

The new Similac GainSchool is the first and only milk formula with 5-HMOs and added gangliosides and the PRODI-G Nutrient System. It has 10 key brain nutrients and the Power of 3 (DHA, Lutein and Natural Vitamin E) which together help support better cognition and stronger immunity.
 

What are the key features and benefits of the new Similac GainSchool?

Similac GainSchool is a nutritionally complete, iron-fortified, milk formula with 5-HMOs and added gangliosides, which together help support cognitive development and immunity. It also has the PRODI-G Nutrient System, a unique blend of DHA, Lutein, Natural Vitamin E, HMOs and Nucleotides, which together help support your kid’s cognitive functions. It also has no palm olein for better nutrient absorption.
 

Is there going to be a taste difference between the current Similac GainSchool vs the reformulated one?

Sensory tests have been conducted on the new Similac GainSchool formulation and results confirmed that there is no significant taste difference between the old and new formulation of the product.
 

What is the purpose of reformulation?

Similac GainSchool has always been at the forefront of innovation, striving to always give the best possible option to mothers when it comes to nutrition. The reformulated Similac GainSchool is the first and only milk formula with 5-HMOs + gangliosides and the PRODI-G Nutrient System. It also has 10 key brain nutrients and the Power of 3 (DHA, Lutein and Natural Vitamin E) which together help support better cognition and stronger immunity.
 

Is there going to be a price difference between the previous formulation vs the new Similac GainSchool?

No, the prices of the new Similac GainSchool are the same as the previous formulation.

Is the reformulation of the new Similac across all its product lines?

No, the reformulation of Similac only applies to its Similac, Similac Gain, Similac GainPlus and Similac GainSchool lines. Other lines including: Similac TummiCare and Ready-To-Drink do not contain the reformulated recipe with 5-HMOs & added gangliosides and PRODI-G Nutrient System.

Are the serving suggestions for the new formula same as the previous Similac?

Yes, the new Similac with 5-HMOs and gangliosides shares the same serving suggestion as the previous formula: 8.3g (1 scoop) for Similac, 30.9g (3 scoops) for Similac Gain and Similac GainPlus, and 41.2g (4 scoops) for Similac GainSchool.

Can we expect the same immunity and cognition benefits from the old Similac GainSchool vs the new formulation?

The new Similac GainSchool is a nutritionally complete, iron-fortified, milk formula which now comes with 5-HMOs and added gangliosides, which together help support cognitive development and immunity. Besides this, the product also has the PRODI-G Nutrient System, a unique blend of DHA, Lutein, Natural Vitamin E, HMOs and Nucleotides, which together help support your kid’s cognitive functions.

Can the reformulated Similac provide complete nutrition?

For inquiries covered by EO51: Similac stage 1-3 are under the milk code. We recommend you to consult your child’s pediatrician for proper discussion of your child’s nutrition and the nutrition support he/she needs.
For Stage 4: No, the new Similac GainSchool, with 3 servings per day, can help a child meet 28% of his daily Energy needs and 36% of daily protein needs. However, we still recommend that children above 3 years to eat a wide variety of food everyday.

Is the Power of Three (DHA, Lutein and Vitamin E) still in the reformulated Similac?

Yes, besides the 5-HMO & gangliosides, the reformulated Similac still has the nutritional benefits from the Power of Three (DHA, Lutein and Vitamin E).

Is there a difference in terms of: color, mixability and powder appearance between the old Similac and the new formulation?

There are no noticeable difference in terms of color, mixability and powder appearance between the old and new Similac formulation.

Does the new formulation of Similac GainSchool deliver the same nutritional content as the Similac GainSchool Ready-to-Drink?

The nutrients found in Similac GainSchool powder are similar to what you can get from the Similac GainSchool Ready-To-Drink. However, for your child to meet the caloric delivery of the Similac GainSchool powder, you need to serve at least 2 tetra packs of the Ready-To-Drink variant. Apart from this, Similac GainSchool Ready-To-Drink only contains 2’FL-HMO, whereas the new Similac GainSchool contains 5 HMO and added gangliosides.

 

Are there other flavors available besides Vanilla?

No, there are no other available variants for Similac GainSchool other than vanilla / milk.

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT AND HEALTH BENEFITS

What are gangliosides and why are they important?

Gangliosides are important nutrients found in milk. They are essential for neural signaling and dietary supplementation of gangliosides may improve cognitive and brain development. The new Similac GainSchool with higher levels of gangliosides is scientifically designed to support better cognitive development of your child’s brain.

If pressed: Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that dietary supplementation of key brain nutrients in children resulted in significantly better cognitive and learning performance. In particular, recent studies have shown the role of gangliosides in neuronal development and cognition, ingredients which are found in the new Similac GainSchool.
 

What are HMOs and what is the significance of having 5-HMOs in Similac GainSchool?

HMOs stand for Human Milk Oligosaccharides. They are a group of unique prebiotics that are abundant in human milk. Evidence shows that some Human Milk Oligosaccharides help strengthen the immune system. The new Similac GainSchool now comes with 5-HMOs (2’-FL, 3-FL, 3’-SL, 6’-SL and LNT). Evidence also shows that Human Milk Oligosaccharides, particularly 2’-FL HMO, an ingredient found in the new Similac GainSchool, may help reduce common infections by up to 66%
 

What is PRODI-G?

PRODI-G is a special Nutrient System made up of:

  • Gangliosides – Studies have shown that an adequate amount of gangliosides helps support better and faster neural connections in the brain. This is important because with proper dietary supplementation, gangliosides may help improve the cognitive and learning performance of your child. 
  • 10 key nutrients including DHA, AA, Taurine, Choline, Iron, Zinc, Iodine, Folic Acid and Vitamins B1 and B12 which together help support overall mental and cognitive functions of your child’s brain.

Since the oldest age for child to use Similac is 12 years old (Similac GainSchool), will there be changes when it comes to my child’s immune system or will it be compromised after several years of no longer using Similac GainSchool?

Children beyond 12 years old have a more mature immune system that helps them fight infections even without HMO supplementation. A wide variety of food providing daily recommended dietary intake of macronutrients and micronutrients can help in strengthening your children’s immune function.

DIETARY CONCERNS AND ADJUSTMENTS

Are the 5-HMOs found in Similac GainSchool made from human milk?

No, however, the structure of the HMOs in Similac GainSchool are identical to that found in human milk.
 

Is it lactose-free and is it safe for consumption by children with lactose-intolerance

No. However, the amount of lactose in Similac GainSchool will not trigger reaction in children with lactose intolerance. Should your child have lactose intolerance issues, we suggest for you to seek medical consultation with your doctor.
(Note: According to studies, 6g of lactose triggers lactose intolerance reactions)

 

Can this be given for children with Galactosemia?

No, HMO is sourced from lactose.
 

Is there a prescribed feeding adjustment while I transition my kid’s milk from the previous formulation to the new Similac GainSchool?

Yes, please refer to the suggested transition guide.

Weekly Feeding Schedule

Current Formula

New Formula

1st week

2 feedings

1 feeding

2nd week

1 feeding

2 feedings

3rd week

3 feedings

My child has cow’s milk allergy. Can I use this?

No. Similac contains milk proteins thus it is not intended for children with CMA. We recommend for you to consult your child’s pediatrician for the proper formula for your child.

Is it Halal? Kosher?

Yes, it is Halal-certified. Similac HMO is NOT Kosher certified.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, the product is gluten-free.