FormulaSeek - Enfamil Enspire vs Similac 360 Total Care
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a significant decision for parents who cannot or choose not to breastfeed. With many options available, it's crucial to select a formula that closely resembles breast milk in terms of nutritional content, safety, and ease on the baby's digestive system. Two popular options on the market are Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Enspire. Both formulas are designed to offer comprehensive nutrition for infants, yet they have different ingredients and benefits tailored to meet varying dietary needs.
Nutritional Composition
Understanding the nutritional composition of infant formulas can help parents make the best decision for their baby's health. Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Enspire both strive to mimic breast milk's nutritional profile but use different sources and combinations to achieve this goal.
**Similac 360 Total Care** is formulated with a blend that includes 2'-FL HMO, a prebiotic structurally identical to one found in breast milk, and a mix of lactose as its primary carbohydrate source. Its protein comes mainly from cow’s milk whey and casein, mimicking the whey-to-casein ratio found in breast milk. The fat blend includes palm olein oil, soy oil, and high oleic safflower oil.
**Enfamil Enspire** uses a similar approach with lactose as the carbohydrate source and a blend of whey and casein from cow’s milk. Enspire is enriched with MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) and Lactoferrin to boost cognitive development and immune health. Additionally, it incorporates a blend of non-GMO oils, including palm olein, coconut, soy, and high oleic sunflower oil.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac 360 Total Care | Enfamil Enspire |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey and Casein (Cow's milk) | Whey and Casein (Cow's milk) |
| Whey-to-Casein Ratio | 60:40 | 60:40 |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Palm Olein, Soy, High Oleic Safflower Oil | Palm Olein, Coconut, Soy, High Oleic Sunflower Oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | 2'-FL HMO | MFGM, Lactoferrin |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Includes DHA and ARA | Includes DHA and ARA |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Standard levels of Iron and Calcium | Standard levels of Iron and Calcium |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approx. $0.50* | Approx. $0.55* |
| Non-GMO Certification | Yes | Yes |
*Note: Prices are estimated and may vary based on location and retailer.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac 360 Total Care includes the unique prebiotic 2'-FL HMO, which supports the immune system by promoting a healthy gut microbiome and may be more easily tolerated by some infants. Its fat content, which includes high oleic safflower oil, is designed to be gentle on infants' digestive systems while providing essential nutrients.
Enfamil Enspire includes MFGM and Lactoferrin, both scientifically recognized for their potential to enhance cognitive development and support immune health. These ingredients attempt to bring Enfamil Enspire closer to the nutritional profile of breast milk, focusing on brain and immune system benefits.
Target Audience
Similac 360 Total Care might be more suitable for babies with sensitivities to certain prebiotics or parents looking for a formula that mimics breast milk and offers immune-boosting benefits through 2'-FL HMO.
Enfamil Enspire could be an excellent choice for parents who prioritize cognitive development and enhanced immune support, given the presence of MFGM and Lactoferrin. It's also ideal for parents who prefer a non-GMO product.
Similac 360 Total Care Alternatives
- Similac Pro-Advance
- Similac Pro-Sensitive
- Similac Organic
- Similac Pro-Total Comfort
- Similac Sensitive
Enfamil Enspire Alternatives
- Enfamil NeuroPro
- Enfamil Gentlease
- Enfamil A.R.
- Enfamil Reguline
- Enfamil ProSobee
Potential Drawbacks
While Similac 360 Total Care is high-quality, it includes palm olein oil, which some studies suggest may reduce calcium absorption, potentially affecting bone mineralization. Additionally, it might be slightly more expensive than other formulas.
Enfamil Enspire's advanced ingredients, like MFGM, come at a higher cost, which might not be affordable for all families. Some parents may also be concerned about the inclusion of palm olein oil.
Conclusion
Both Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Enspire offer unique benefits that can cater to specific infant needs and parental preferences. For immune support and sensitive stomachs, Similac 360 Total Care might be the better choice, while Enfamil Enspire's focus on cognitive and immune health may appeal to those looking for the closest match to breast milk's benefits. Ultimately, choosing the right formula should involve considering the baby's individual needs and consulting a pediatrician to ensure optimal growth and development. Each formula has its merits, and understanding these nuances can help make an informed decision.
Sources*
Buy Enfamil Enspire Online
Buy Similac 360 Total Care Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
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Nutrient comparison
| Enfamil Enspire | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.30 g | Fat | 0.30 | 5.60 g | |
| 11.10 g | 0.60 | Carbohydrate | 10.50 g | |
| 2.10 g | 0.03 | Protein | 2.07 g | |
| 780.00 mg | Linoleic Acid | 220.00 | 1000.00 mg |
Ingredient comparison
Items in the left column are unique to that formula, same for the right. Items in the middle are in both.
Minerals comparison
Items in the left column are unique to that formula, same for the right. Items in the middle are in both.
| Enfamil Enspire | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78.00 mg | 0.00 | Calcium | 0.00 | 78.00 mg |
| 43.00 mg | 1.00 | Phosphorus | -1.00 | 42.00 mg |
| 8.00 mg | 2.00 | Magnesium | -2.00 | 6.00 mg |
| 1.80 mg | 0.00 | Iron | 0.00 | 1.80 mg |
| 1.00 mg | 0.25 | Zinc | -0.25 | 0.75 mg |
| 15.00 mcg | 10.00 | Manganese | -10.00 | 5.00 mcg |
| 75.00 mcg | -15.00 | Copper | 15.00 | 90.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Iodine | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.80 mcg | 0.80 | Selenium | -0.80 | 2.00 mcg |
| 27.00 mg | 3.00 | Sodium | -3.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 108.00 mg | 3.00 | Potassium | -3.00 | 105.00 mg |
| 63.00 mg | -2.00 | Chloride | 2.00 | 65.00 mg |
Vitamins comparison
Vitamins from both formulas are listed in the center. If they exist in a formula they will have a value next to them. The difference will be show under the +/- column for easy visibility.
| Enfamil Enspire | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 70.00 IU | 10.00 | Vitamin D | -10.00 | 60.00 IU |
| 2.00 IU | 0.50 | Vitamin E | -0.50 | 1.50 IU |
| 9.00 mcg | 1.00 | Vitamin K | -1.00 | 8.00 mcg |
| 80.00 mcg | -20.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | 20.00 | 100.00 mcg |
| 140.00 mcg | -10.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 10.00 | 150.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin B6 | 0.00 | 60.00 mcg |
| 0.30 mcg | 0.05 | Vitamin B12 | -0.05 | 0.25 mcg |
| 1000.00 mcg | -50.00 | Niacin | 50.00 | 1050.00 mcg |
| 16.00 mcg | 1.00 | Folic Acid | -1.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 500.00 mcg | 50.00 | Pantothenic Acid | -50.00 | 450.00 mcg |
| 3.00 mcg | -1.40 | Biotin | 1.40 | 4.40 mcg |
| 12.00 mg | 3.00 | Vitamin C | -3.00 | 9.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 0.00 | Choline | 0.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 0.00 | Inositol | 0.00 | 24.00 mg |