HiPP AR Anti-Reflux Formula

HiPP AR Anti-Reflux formula is an organic cow’s milk formula made in Germany. It is designed for babies from birth to 12 months old with reflux or severe spit-up. 

HiPP is a well-known and respected organic baby formula brand, and all of its formulas are considered certified organic based on European Union standards. This designation ensures the formula is ethically sourced and is free of GMOs, artificial colors, and preservatives. The HiPP brand has been around for over 100 years, and its formulas are manufactured to mimic breast milk as much as possible.

HiPP AR German Anti-Reflux contains locust bean gum, an ingredient that creates a thicker and creamier formula said to be easier for your baby to swallow. For babies who have trouble keeping standard formulas down, this consistency may be more tolerable and reduce the frequency of spit-ups. 

This formula contains omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and omega-6 (arachidonic acid) ARA fats which are essential for a baby’s brain and vision development. It also supplies prebiotic fibers and probiotics to support digestive health.

It does contain lactose, skim milk, and fish ingredients, so it may not be appropriate for those with these allergies or sensitivities. 

Pros and Cons of HiPP AR Anti-Reflux Formula

Here are the pros and cons of the HiPP AR Anti-Reflux Formula.

Pros: 

• May be easier to tolerate for babies with reflux or excessive spit-up
• Supplies DHA and ARA for brain and vision development
• Contains prebiotics and probiotics for gut health

Cons: 

• Not allergen-friendly
• May not be appropriate for children with dairy intolerance
• Contains palm oil 

Ingredients in HiPP AR Anti-Reflux Formula 

The ingredients in HiPP AR German Anti-Reflux baby formula are designed for babies from birth to 12 months who suffer from reflux or severe spit-up. Below is the complete ingredient list.

Skim Milk, Whey Powder, Vegetable Oils [Palm Oil, Sunflower Oil, Rapeseed Oil], Lactose, Locust Bean Gum, Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Mortierella Alpina Oil (ARA), Sodium Citrate, Calcium Orthophosphates, Choline, Calcium Chloride, L-Phenylalanine, L-Tyrosine, L-Leucine, Magnesium Carbonate, L-Tryptophan, L-Histidine, Iron Sulfate, Lactic Acid, Vitamin C, Zinc Sulfate, Natural Lactic Acid Culture [Hereditum® Lactobacillus Fermentum CECT5716], Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Inositol, Vitamin E, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Potassium Iodate, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenate, Vitamin K, Vitamin D, Biotin, Vitamin B12.

Allergens: Contains milk and fish ingredients

The primary ingredients in this formula are skim milk and whey protein, both of which are cow’s milk-based. It is free of artificial sweeteners, pesticides, growth hormones, gluten, and soy.

Of note, this formula does contain two major allergens – fish and milk. Fish oil is added to provide a source of DHA, an essential fatty acid for a baby’s brain development. It also contains several vegetable oils to provide a source of omega-6 ARA.

One of these vegetable oils is palm oil, which is linked to possible health issues. Palm oil is very high in saturated fat which may increase heart disease risk. More research is still needed to confirm this association, and at this time it is unclear how much is safe to consume.

Nutrients in HiPP AR Anti-Reflux Baby Formula

The nutrients in HiPP AR Anti-Reflux formula are designed for babies ages birth to months and serve as a sole or a complementary source of nutrition. It can be used alongside breast milk, a complete baby formula, or solid food.

This formula contains cow’s milk protein as the protein source and lactose as the carbohydrate source. It provides essential vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids.

Side Effects of HiPP AR Anti-Reflux Formula

While this formula is more well tolerated by babies with reflux or spit-up, there are a few possible effects to note. 

This formula contains milk ingredients such as skim milk, whey protein, and lactose, which may not be suitable for babies with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. 

Those with a fish allergy should also avoid this product, as fish oil is on its list of ingredients. 

Lastly, this formula should not be used as a sole source of nutrition, as it does not provide enough of certain essential vitamins and minerals like iron to meet the nutritional needs of babies.

How HiPP AR Anti-Reflux Formula Compares

HiPP AR German Anti-Reflux formula is designed to be an easier-to-digest option for babies with reflux or excessive spit-up. 

There are a few other anti-reflux formulas out on the market with similar characteristics, but none are European-derived. European formulas must adhere to European Union (EU) standards, which are arguably more stringent than FDA standards in the U.S.

Here’s how HiPP AR Anti-Reflux compares to 2 other U.S.-based anti-reflux options.

HiPP AR Anti-Reflux vs Enfamil AR

Both of these baby formulas are cow’s milk-based and considered anti-reflux. Both are designed for babies from birth to 12 months old. Hipp AR German Anti-Reflux is certified organic, while Enfamil AR is not. HiPP is produced in Germany, while Enfamil AR is produced in the United States.

In regards to ingredients, HiPP has locust bean gum (LBG) added as a thickener, while Enfamil AR uses rice starch. 

Both are used to thicken formulas, but studies show LBG may be more effective as a thickening agent. These same studies however show LBG may affect the availability of certain minerals like zinc, iron, and magnesium in the formula.

Additionally, both formulas contain vegetable oils such as palm oil. HiPP contains added prebiotics and probiotics for gut health, and research shows probiotics may be beneficial for reflux symptoms. Enfamil AR contains prebiotics, but not probiotics. 

Including probiotics is also one way in which HiPP more closely mimics the nutritional content of breast milk.

HiPP AR Anti-Reflux vs Similac for Spit-Up

Both of these cow’s milk formulas are designed for babies from birth to 12 months that suffer from reflux or excessive spit-up. HiPP is organic, and Similac AR is not. HiPP is produced in Germany, and Similac for Spit-Up is made in the United States.

Regarding ingredients, Similac Spit-Up contains rice starch as a thickener, while HiPP uses locust bean gum. As mentioned above, both thickeners have their pros and cons. They both contain vegetable oils, but Similac does not contain palm oil, a potentially harmful oil.

Both contain prebiotics and probiotics for gut health, as well as omega-3 DHA and omega-6 LA (linoleic acid). 

All 3 of these formulas are solid choices for babies with reflux, and each individual situation should be evaluated to determine the best choice. For example, if you are breastfeeding your baby and looking for an anti-reflux formula to supplement, HiPP AR German Anti-Reflux is designed for this exact purpose.

Bottom Line

HiPP AR Anti-Reflux baby formula is a solid choice if you’re seeking an easier-to-digest formula for your baby suffering from reflux or excessive spit-up. It is organic, GMO-free, and manufactured under sustainable farming practices. It is also held to high European Union (EU) standards for baby formula quality.

This is one of the only European anti-reflux baby formulas on the market, and this formula is a quality option for many babies. It can be used as a nutritional supplement alongside breast milk or a complete formula.

Every baby’s formula, health, and nutritional needs are unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all formula. When selecting a formula, always speak to your pediatrician about the type of product that is best for your baby.