Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, SIMILAC, NEOSURE, powder, with ARA and DHA & Diabetes
High glycemic impact — occasional choice only. Glycemic load of 23.6 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 23.6/100g · GI 45.6 · TIER 3 ⚠️ GI: Subcategory Estimate
GI estimated from food subcategory average — not directly tested on this food. [1] [3]
Glycemic Response at a Glance
The Numbers at a Glance
What to Watch For
⚠️ Low Dietary Fiber
Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, SIMILAC, NEOSURE, powder, with ARA and DHA contains only 0.0g of fiber per 100g — far below the recommended threshold for diabetes-friendly carbohydrates. Without fiber to slow digestion, the starches break down rapidly in the small intestine, causing a quicker glucose release into the bloodstream. The American Diabetes Association recommends choosing high-fiber carbohydrates (≥3g per serving) to help stabilize post-meal blood sugar. Pairing Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, SIMILAC, NEOSURE, powder, with ARA and DHA with high-fiber vegetables or legumes can partially offset this effect.
ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes (2024). Diabetes Care, 47(Suppl 1).
⚠️ High Saturated Fat
Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, SIMILAC, NEOSURE, powder, with ARA and DHA contains 3.0g of saturated fat per serving — above the 5g threshold recommended by the ADA and AHA. High saturated fat intake is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, which is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes. While this food may have a manageable glycemic load, consider it an occasional choice rather than a daily staple.
ADA Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management (2024). Diabetes Care, 47(Suppl 1). · AHA Dietary Guidelines.
More Baby Foods to Compare
Better Alternatives
🍽️ Babyfood, meat, chicken, strained
GL 0/100g — Low GL
Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Babyfood, meat, chicken, strained & diabetes →🍽️ Babyfood, meat, lamb, strained
GL 0.4/100g — Low GL
Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Babyfood, meat, lamb, strained & diabetes →🍽️ Babyfood, meat, meat sticks, junior
GL 0.4/100g — Low GL
Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Babyfood, meat, meat sticks, junior & diabetes →🍽️ Babyfood, meat, turkey sticks, junior
GL 0.5/100g — Low GL
Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Babyfood, meat, turkey sticks, junior & diabetes →Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 15g | 7.8g | 3.5 | Friendly |
| Standard Serving | 30g | 15.5g | 7.1 | Friendly |
| Restaurant Portion | 61g | 31.6g | 14.4 | Moderate |
GL ≤10 = Low (Friendly) · 11–19 = Moderate · ≥20 = High (Limit).
The page-level verdict is based on GL per 100g; this table shows how portion size changes the actual GL you get.
Common Questions
Is ABBOTT NUTRITION SIMILAC NEOSURE powder with ARA and DHA a reasonable choice if you have diabetes?
ABBOTT NUTRITION SIMILAC NEOSURE powder with ARA and DHA should be limited for diabetics. A GL of 23.6 is firmly in the high range. If it's a food you love, try reducing the portion dramatically or swapping for a lower-GL version.
What is the glycemic load of ABBOTT NUTRITION SIMILAC NEOSURE powder with ARA and DHA?
The glycemic load of ABBOTT NUTRITION SIMILAC NEOSURE powder with ARA and DHA is 23.6 per 100g. GL is calculated by multiplying the GI (45.6) by the available carbohydrates (51.8g) and dividing by 100.
How does ABBOTT NUTRITION SIMILAC NEOSURE powder with ARA and DHA affect blood sugar?
ABBOTT NUTRITION SIMILAC NEOSURE powder with ARA and DHA affects blood sugar by releasing glucose during digestion. Since its GL is 23.6 (high), it's wise to limit portions. Individual responses vary — check your glucose monitor.
Why is fiber important for blood sugar control?
Dietary fiber slows carbohydrate digestion and absorption, leading to a more gradual blood sugar rise. ABBOTT NUTRITION SIMILAC NEOSURE powder with ARA and DHA has only 0g of fiber per 100g, which is one reason its glycemic load (23.6) is high. The ADA recommends choosing carbs with at least 3g of fiber per serving. Adding high-fiber foods like vegetables or legumes to your meal can help compensate.
Is the GI value accurate?
The GI of 45.6 for ABBOTT NUTRITION SIMILAC NEOSURE powder with ARA and DHA is estimated (Tier 3), not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. It is based on the weighted average GI of foods in the Baby Foods category from the International GI Tables (Atkinson et al., 2021). Actual GI may vary by variety, ripeness, cooking method, and individual response. We display estimated values with full transparency so you can make informed decisions.
Can portion control make this food work?
Yes — half a standard serving of ABBOTT NUTRITION SIMILAC NEOSURE powder with ARA and DHA reduces the glycemic load substantially. At GL 23.6 per 100g this is a dense source, but a half portion makes a meaningful difference. The key is mindfulness: use it as a side dish, not the main event, and fill most of your plate with non-starchy vegetables and lean protein.
What about the saturated fat content?
At 3.0g of saturated fat per serving, ABBOTT NUTRITION SIMILAC NEOSURE powder with ARA and DHA exceeds the 5g threshold that the ADA and AHA recommend for diabetes and heart health. Saturated fat raises LDL cholesterol and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. While this food may have a manageable glycemic load, it is best as an occasional choice rather than a daily staple. Prioritize foods with unsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts, fish) for everyday eating.
References & Data Sources
Data Tier: TIER 3 — estimated from category average
Glycemic Index (GI): 45.6 — subcategory_avg:Baby Foods. Source: International GI Tables (Atkinson, Brand-Miller et al., Diabetes Care, 2021). University of Sydney GI Research Service.
GL (per serving, 30.5g) = 23.6 × 30.5 ÷ 100 = 7.2
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 172324. Data are in the public domain (CC0 1.0).
GL Classification: ≤10 = Low (Low GL), 11–19 = Moderate (Eat in Moderation), ≥20 = High (Limit). Based on University of Sydney Glycemic Index Foundation classification.
⚠️ GI value is estimated, not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. Actual GI may vary by variety, cooking method, and individual glycemic response.
Cite this page: GlycemicWise. “Infant formula, ABBOTT NUTRITION, SIMILAC, NEOSURE, powder, with ARA and DHA — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/infant-formula-abbott-nutrition-similac-neosure-powder-with-ara-and-dha/
Dietary reference — not medical advice. This page provides evidence-based dietary reference information for general educational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual blood sugar responses vary significantly. Always check your blood glucose to understand your personal response to foods, and talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Data sources are cited above and publicly available from the USDA and the University of Sydney Glycemic Index Research Service.