FormulaSeek - Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare vs Similac Alimentum
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is one of the most crucial decisions parents can make to ensure their baby's health and well-being. While breastfeeding is highly recommended, various factors may necessitate the use of infant formulas, and selecting the most suitable one is essential. Among the myriad options available, Similac Alimentum and Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare stand out due to their specific features catering to different baby needs. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth comparison between these two notable formulas.
Nutritional Composition
The nutritional composition of infant formulas is pivotal in meeting the varying needs of growing infants. Similac Alimentum is designed with hypoallergenic, extensively hydrolyzed protein to help infants with food allergies or colic due to protein sensitivity. Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare, on the other hand, contains a unique blend of nutrients tailored for premature or low-birth-weight infants, supporting catch-up growth and brain development.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Alimentum | Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Extensively hydrolyzed casein | Whey-dominant protein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn syrup solids | Lactose |
| Fat Source | High oleic safflower oil, MCT oil | Palm olein, soy, coconut, and high oleic sunflower oils |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | None | Contains MFGM and prebiotics |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Present | Higher levels |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Standard iron content | Enhanced iron content for preemies |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.70 - $0.85 (prices may vary) | $0.80 - $0.95 (prices may vary) |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Alimentum is formulated for infants with food allergies or colic symptoms, featuring hydrolyzed protein for easy digestion. Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare focuses on supporting the quick growth and mental development of premature infants through specialized nutrients like DHA and MFGM, which are crucial for brain development.
Target Audience
Similac Alimentum is best suited for babies with lactose sensitivity, allergies to cow's milk protein, or severe colic symptoms due to protein intolerance. Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare is tailored for premature or low-birth-weight infants requiring enhanced nutrition to support rapid growth and development.
Alternatives to Similac Alimentum
- Nutramigen with Enflora LGG
- Gerber Extensive HA
- EleCare Infant Formula
- Neocate Infant DHA/ARA
- PurAmino Hypoallergenic
Alternatives to Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare
- Similac Neosure
- Gerber Good Start Premature 24
- Enfamil Premature Formula 20 Cal
- Enfamil EnfaCare 22 Cal
- Similac Special Care 24
Potential Drawbacks
Although both formulas are beneficial, they have their limitations. Similac Alimentum is relatively pricier due to its specialized formulation, and it lacks MFGM and prebiotics, which might be beneficial for gut health. Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare, while excellent for premature babies, may not be suitable for full-term infants requiring standard nutrition.
Conclusion
Choosing between Similac Alimentum and Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare boils down to your infant's specific needs. If your baby has a food allergy or severe colic, Similac Alimentum may be the better choice. For premature or low-birth-weight infants requiring catch-up growth and developmental support, Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare is highly recommended. Always consult with your pediatrician to determine the best formula choice for your baby's unique requirements.
Sources*
Buy Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare Online
Buy Similac Alimentum Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac Alimentum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.30 g | Fat | 0.24 | 5.54 g | |
| 10.40 g | 0.20 | Carbohydrate | 10.20 g | |
| 2.80 g | 0.05 | Protein | 2.75 g | |
| 780.00 mg | Linoleic Acid | 20.00 | 800.00 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 NeuroPro EnfaCare | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac Alimentum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120.00 mg | 15.00 | Calcium | -15.00 | 105.00 mg |
| 66.00 mg | -9.00 | Phosphorus | 9.00 | 75.00 mg |
| 8.00 mg | 0.50 | Magnesium | -0.50 | 7.50 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 | 7.00 | Manganese | -7.00 | 8.00 mcg |
| 90.00 mcg | 15.00 | Copper | -15.00 | 75.00 mcg |
| 21.00 mcg | 6.00 | Iodine | -6.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.80 mcg | 0.80 | Selenium | -0.80 | 2.00 mcg |
| 37.00 mg | -7.00 | Sodium | 7.00 | 44.00 mg |
| 105.00 mg | -13.00 | Potassium | 13.00 | 118.00 mg |
| 78.00 mg | -2.00 | Chloride | 2.00 | 80.00 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 EnfaCare | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac Alimentum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 450.00 IU | 150.00 | Vitamin A | -150.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 75.00 IU | 15.00 | Vitamin D | -15.00 | 60.00 IU |
| 4.00 IU | 1.00 | Vitamin E | -1.00 | 3.00 IU |
| 9.00 mcg | 1.00 | Vitamin K | -1.00 | 8.00 mcg |
| 180.00 mcg | 120.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | -120.00 | 60.00 mcg |
| 200.00 mcg | 110.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | -110.00 | 90.00 mcg |
| 67.00 mcg | 7.00 | Vitamin B6 | -7.00 | 60.00 mcg |
| 0.30 mcg | -0.15 | Vitamin B12 | 0.15 | 0.45 mcg |
| 1000.00 mcg | -350.00 | Niacin | 350.00 | 1350.00 mcg |
| 26.00 mcg | 11.00 | Folic Acid | -11.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 850.00 mcg | 100.00 | Pantothenic Acid | -100.00 | 750.00 mcg |
| 6.00 mcg | 1.50 | Biotin | -1.50 | 4.50 mcg |
| 16.00 mg | 7.00 | Vitamin C | -7.00 | 9.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 12.00 | Choline | -12.00 | 12.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 19.00 | Inositol | -19.00 | 5.00 mg |