FormulaSeek - Enfamil NeuroPro vs Similac Advance RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents who are either supplementing breastfeeding or exclusively bottle-feeding their baby. Infant formulas aim to mimic human milk as closely as possible, providing the essential nutrients necessary for a baby's growth and development. Among the myriad of options available, Similac Advance Ready-to-Feed (RTF) and Enfamil NeuroPro are two popular choices, each with distinct features and nutritional compositions. Understanding these differences can help parents make more informed decisions.
Nutritional Composition
Both Similac Advance RTF and Enfamil NeuroPro aim to deliver comprehensive nutrition, but they have differing approaches to what constitutes the ideal makeup. Similac Advance RTF typically includes a blend of milk-based proteins with a balanced whey-to-casein ratio intended to be easy on the digestive system. Its carbohydrate source is primarily lactose, while the fat blend may include palm olein oil, soy oil, coconut oil, and high-oleic safflower oil.
Enfamil NeuroPro is formulated with a focus on supporting brain development, featuring a premium blend of DHA and ARA, which are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found in breast milk. Its protein source leans towards a whey-predominant mix, and like Similac, lactose is the main carbohydrate. Its fat content can come from a unique mix of palm olein oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soy oil, and high-oleic sunflower oil.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Advance RTF | Enfamil NeuroPro |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | 20:80 whey-to-casein ratio | 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Safflower Oil, Palm Oil | Palm Olein Oil, Coconut Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, High-Oleic Sunflower Oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Prebiotics only | Probiotics (BB12) |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Contains DHA and ARA | Contains DHA and ARA, promoted for higher levels |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Competitive levels | Competitive levels |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.20 | $0.25 |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Note: Prices are estimated and may vary.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Advance RTF is known for being a straightforward, non-GMO formula that is appropriate for most healthy infants. It features a mix of important prebiotics that support gut health and mimic some of the components found in breastmilk.
Enfamil NeuroPro stands out due to its comprehensive NeuroPro blend, which includes exclusive MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) that is typically found in breast milk. This addition has been shown to support cognitive development. The presence of probiotics can also support a baby’s digestive health and immune system.
Target Audience
Similac Advance RTF is well-suited for babies who do not have specific allergies or digestive sensitivities. Parents who prioritize non-GMO sourcing may particularly favor it.
Enfamil NeuroPro is tailored for infants whose parents are specifically interested in supporting brain development to mirror the cognitive benefits similar to those found in human breast milk. This formula may be especially appealing to parents of preemies or babies who need extra nutritional support.
Alternatives
Alternatives to Similac Advance RTF
1. Similac Pro-Advance
2. Enfamil Reguline
3. Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
4. Gerber Good Start Gentle
5. Parent's Choice Infant Formula (Walmart Brand)
Alternatives to Enfamil NeuroPro
1. Enfamil Enspire
2. Similac Pro-Total Comfort
3. Gerber Good Start Soothe
4. Earth's Best Organic DHA Infant Formula
5. Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Similac Advance RTF's reliance on palm olein oil may not be suitable for all babies, as some infants might have difficulty digesting this component, potentially leading to digestive discomfort.
Enfamil NeuroPro, while nutritionally rich, generally comes at a higher cost, which may not fit every family's budget. Additionally, availability can sometimes be an issue in certain regions or stores.
Conclusion
Similac Advance RTF and Enfamil NeuroPro are both excellent formula options, each excelling in different areas. Similac Advance RTF offers a reliable, non-GMO formula, while Enfamil NeuroPro offers enhanced brain-development nutrients. The choice between the two may depend on specific nutritional goals, cost considerations, or ingredient preferences. It is always advisable for parents to discuss their choice with a pediatrician to ensure that the selected formula meets their baby's specific needs.
Sources*
Buy Enfamil NeuroPro Online
Buy Similac Advance RTF Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Enfamil NeuroPro | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac Advance RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.30 g | Fat | 0.10 | 5.40 g | |
| 11.30 g | 0.10 | Carbohydrate | 11.20 g | |
| 2.10 g | 0.03 | Protein | 2.07 g | |
| 780.00 mg | 780.00 | Linoleic Acid | 0 |
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 NeuroPro | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac Advance RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 NeuroPro | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac Advance RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 70.00 IU | 61.00 | Vitamin C | -61.00 | 9.00 mg |
| 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 |
| 24.00 mg | 0.00 | Choline | 0.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 0.00 | Inositol | 0.00 | 24.00 mg |