Nestle Good Start Supreme Natural Cultures Review

With all the different formula options available to new and experienced parents, and all try or use one specific brand, how do parents know which formula is the right one for their child.  With all this uncertainty, there is one thing parents can be certain of, there are three leaders in the formula race:  Similac, Enfamil, and Nestles Good Start.

Nestles Good Start Supreme with Natural Cultures is a milk based formula with DHA and ARA as well as comfort proteins and iron. Natural Cultures formula also includes Bifidus BL and claims to increase baby's antioxidants and nucleotides.  One distinguishing feature of Natural Cultures is the claim that it is the first formula" to contain Bifidus BL, which are beneficial cultures similar to those found in breast milk that support a baby's immune system.  Some studied indicate that may increase a baby's level of antibodies (which are proteins found in the body's immune system) but also provide support to a baby's digestive tract, which is where 70% of the bodies immune system is located, as well as is proven to support a baby's growth and development.   Immune systems may also be strengthened by the increased levels in antioxidants and nucleotides.

Good Start Natural Cultures like the Supreme version contains comfort proteins.  Comfort proteins are a trademarked description of the type of protein produced by Nestle in the creation of the Good Start family of formulas.  These Comfort Proteins uses 100% whey protein to produce its formula.  The use of whey protein is because it is considered the highest quality of protein available.  The whey protein is then broken down synthetically to produce even small proteins which are designed for easier digestion.  Research and personal experience has shown that these proteins do seem to break down easier as my baby had more frequent diapers, less spitting up and less stomach upset thus making the use of this product similar to breast fed babies. 

Nestle Good Start Natural Cultures contain DHA and ARA, but in levels much higher than those found in other name brand formulas.  DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid) are fatty acids, or lipids, found naturally in breast milk and considered essential for the development of an infant's brain and eye tissue.  DHA and ARA are passed from the mother to the baby during pregnancy, however, after delivery these essential nutrients can only be found in breast milk or formula.   

The ingredients for this product are: Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Reduced Minerals Whey Protein Concentrate (From Cow's Milk), Vegetable Oils (Palm Olein, Soy, Coconut, and High-Oleic Safflower or High-Oleic Sunflower), Lactose, Corn Maltodextrin, and less than 1.5% of: Potassium Citrate, Potassium Phosphate, Calcium Chloride, Calcium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Magnesium Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenate, M. alpina Oil*, C. cohnii Oil**, Sodium Ascorbate, Inositol, Choline Bitartrate, Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Vitamin A Acetate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Phylloquinone, Biotin, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12, Taurine, Nucleotides*** (Cytidine 5'-Monophosphate, Disodium Uridine 5'-Monophosphate, Adenosine 5'-Monophosphate, Disodium Guanosine 5'-Monophosphate), Ascorbyl Palmitate, Mixed Tocopherols, L-Carnitine, B. lactis Cultures, Soy Lecithin.

*A source of arachidonic acid (ARA), naturally found in breastmilk
**A source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), naturally found in breastmilk
***Naturally found in breastmilk

(as stated from the Nestle Good Start Natural Cultures powdered can)

Good Start Natural Cultures powder formula is just like other powdered formulas, needing to be mixed with water.  The average cost for a 24 oz can of powdered is $28.99 and a 12 oz can of powdered formula for approximately $16.99.  When compared to Similar Advance with DHA and ARA or Enfamil, it is approximately $3.00 higher for about one ounce less.  But, if you are a believer in the increase in immunity, then a few dollars more each week may be a great investment over the doctor's office co-pays and the time involved in many visits.   

The fact that breast milk is best is without dispute.  But, many mothers do not breast feed, for whatever reasons and those decisions should be respected.  If you choose to formula feed then Good Start Natural Cultures may be the closest thing possible to breast milk on the market today. 

Overall, Good Start Natural Cultures is a wonderful alternative to breast milk.  It is a little more expensive but it beats a trip to the pediatrician's office and late night stomach aches or fevers from illness.  Check with your doctor to see if Good Start Natural Cultures is right for your baby.

Note: Breast milk is best.  Check with your pediatrician before changing or beginning any formula. Good Start Natural Cultures is a milk based product. Consult your pediatrician should your baby be lactose intolerant or allergic to milk products.