Holle Bio Stage PRE Formula
Holle Bio PRE is an organic baby formula designed for infants who require formula immediately after birth. While breastmilk is ideal for newborns, it’s not always an option for families. In these cases, Holle Bio PRE is designed to be optimal for babies ages 0 to 3 months old who need formula supplementation as well as those who rely on formula for all of their nutrition needs. It is modeled after human breastmilk and is intended to be easy for most babies to transition to.
Holle Bio PRE is made in Germany and undergoes strict testing to high European organic standards. The ingredient list includes organic whole milk, whey, lactose, DHA, amino acids, and important vitamins and minerals. In order to support sensitive tummies and provide all the healthy fats a baby needs, this formula contains a high ratio of high-quality milk versus processed vegetable oils.
This formula is made using organic milk from cows on Demeter-certified farms, which means the farms follow regular ecosystem preservation practices and receive annual reviews. In addition to being organic, Holle Bio PRE is non-toxic and free from GMOs, flavors, dyes, chemicals, starch, maltodextrin, and artificial preservatives.
Pros and Cons of Holle Bio Stage PRE
Below are some of the pros and cons of the Holle Bio PRE formula.
Pros:
- Contains high ratios of DHA and ARA to support brain development
- Guaranteed 6-month shelf life
- Designed for babies with sensitive tummies, including those prone to constipation
Cons:
- Not suitable for dairy-free babies
- Babies will need to switch to the next stage formula at 3 months of age
- Contains fish oil, which is not appropriate for babies with a fish allergy
Ingredients of Holle Bio Stage PRE
Holle Bio PRE was consciously formulated to provide complete nutrition for newborns. The full ingredients in Holle Bio PRE are listed below.
Demeter Whole Milk, Organic Whey Powder (Partly Demineralized), Organic Lactose, Organic Vegetable Oils [Organic Palm Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Rapeseed Oil], Demeter Skim Milk Powder, Fish Oil, Biodynamic Skim Milk Powder, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Bitartrate, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, L-Tyrosine, Vitamin C, L-Tryptophan, Iron Lactate, Vitamin E, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin K, Folic Acid, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodate, Sodium Selenate, Biotin.
Holle Bio PRE ingredients have been chosen and formulated together to provide complete nutrition for babies aged 0-3 months old, regardless of whether a newborn relies fully on formula or just needs it to supplement breastmilk.
It contains predominantly organic ingredients, which include several sources of important fatty acids, iron, choline, and vitamins and minerals.
Nutrients in Holle Bio PRE
Infancy is a time of rapid growth and development, and receiving adequate nutrition – including calories, protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals – is essential to fuel everything going on in an infant’s body. Holle Bio PRE contains high-quality ingredients to provide complete nutrition.
Holle Bio PRE contains high amounts of DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (Arachidonic acid) that come from a combination of milk, fish oil, and vegetable oils. DHA and ARA are omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids that are essential for optimal brain growth, development, and function. Evidence shows that DHA accumulates rapidly in the brain between the last trimester of pregnancy and up until age 2 years, making this a critical time to provide infants with enough of this nutrient.
This formula also contains added iron, a nutrient needed to make red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, and is responsible for 50% of all anemias. Infants and children are at a higher risk for developing iron deficiency because their rapid growth results in higher iron needs. Therefore, iron is a critical nutrient to provide babies.
Side Effects of Holle Bio Stage PRE
While there are no major probable side effects of using Holle Bio PRE for most babies, some infants may not tolerate it as well as others.
Babies who are lactose intolerant, or who have a milk or whey allergy, should not use this formula as these are the first ingredients in it. Upset stomach, gas, or diarrhea are among the most common side effects that babies may experience using any formula, which generally stems from the protein source.
Additionally, Holle Bio PRE should not be used by babies who are over 3 months of age as this formula is not designed to be nutritionally adequate for older babies or toddlers.
How Holle Bio PRE Formula Compares
Holle Bio PRE is designed to be a good option for babies with sensitive tummies. There are many other sensitive baby formulas on the market. Here is how Holle Bio PRE compares to some other popular options.
Holle Bio PRE vs Similac Organic
Holle Bio PRE is a European organic baby formula whereas Similar Organic is made in the United States.
While Hollie Bio PRE is designed for babies 0-3 months of age, Similac Organic can be used up until 12 months of age. Both formulas contain ingredients to support eye, brain, digestive, and immune health and function, but Similar Organic also contains lutein. Some users say that Similar Organic is easier to mix without clumping in the final product.
Holle Bio PRE vs Up&Up Gentle Infant Formula
While Holle Bio PRE is designed for infants 0-3 months, Up&Up Gentle Infant Formula can be used up until 12 months of age. Both are sensitive stomach formulas made with cow’s milk, but Up&Up Gentle Infant Formula contains the protein that has been digested into smaller parts to make it even easier for babies to digest.
Both formulas contain DHA and choline to support eye and brain development. Both are also free from GMOs, artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors, but only Holle Bio PRE is organic.
Holle Bio PRE vs Enfamil Gentlease
Holle Bio PRE and Enfamil Gentlease are similar formulas, however, the latter is a US brand that is easier to obtain here and is formulated for babies up to age 12 months. While Holle Bio PRE contains whole milk and whey as its first two ingredients, Enfamil Gentlease contains water and corn syrup solids as its first two ingredients.
Both formulas contain DHA and choline to support eye and brain development. Per ounce, Enfamil Gentlease does contain more iron than Holle Bio PRE.
Bottom Line
Holle Bio PRE is an organic European baby formula designed for infants aged 0-3 months old. It has been formulated with organic, high-quality ingredients that help support brain and visual development as well as immune health. Furthermore, Holle Bio PRE is a great option for infants who are not dairy-free but need a formula that is gentle on the stomach while providing all the healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals they need.
Keep in mind that every formula is not right for every infant. When selecting a formula, it is best to speak to your pediatrician about the brand, protein, and type of product that is best for your baby.