FormulaSeek - Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare vs Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents, especially when specific dietary needs or health conditions are involved. Newborns, particularly those born prematurely, require specialized nutrition to support their growth and development. Similac NeoSure Post Discharge Ready-to-Feed (RTF) and Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare are two popular formulas designed for these needs, providing enhanced nutrition to support babies as they transition home from the hospital. This blog post will compare these two formulations to help parents make an informed choice.
Nutritional Composition
When it comes to nutritional composition, both Similac NeoSure RTF and Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare are designed to offer enhanced support, especially for premature infants who have higher nutritional needs than full-term babies.
Similac NeoSure RTF features a protein blend with higher whey content, known for being easily digestible. Its carbohydrate source primarily includes lactose, closely resembling the natural composition of human milk. The fat blend includes a mix of oils such as high-oleic safflower, soy, and MCT oils, which are intended to support fat digestion and absorption. This formula is fortified with a mix of essential vitamins and minerals.
Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare, on the other hand, also offers a whey-predominant protein base. Its carbohydrate source is primarily lactose, accommodating similar needs. However, EnfaCare incorporates a blend of palm olein, soy, coconut, and high-oleic sunflower oils. This formulation is enriched with a robust offering of vitamins and minerals and is noteworthy for its inclusion of MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), which is suggested to aid cognitive development.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac NeoSure RTF | Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey predominant | Whey predominant |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Safflower oil, soy, MCT oil | Palm olein, soy, coconut, high-oleic sunflower oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | No added Probiotics | Contains MFGM |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Included | Included |
| Iron and Calcium Content | High levels of both | High levels of both |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approximately $0.20/ounce | Approximately $0.19/ounce |
| Organic or Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac NeoSure RTF offers features that support digestive health owing to its unique protein and fat composition. Additionally, it's designed to meet higher caloric and nutritional needs without overwhelming the infant's digestive system.
Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare's standout feature is the inclusion of MFGM, which is believed to support cognitive development. It offers balanced nutrition that is tailored to meet the advanced developmental needs of premature infants.
Target Audience
Similac NeoSure RTF is particularly suited for premature infants who have recently been discharged from neonatal care. Its easy-to-digest formula is advantageous for infants who might struggle with formula digestion strains.
Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare is also optimized for premature infants, specifically catering to those who may benefit from enhanced cognitive support through MFGM. Parents seeking optimal developmental nutrition might prefer this option.
Alternatives
Alternatives to Similac NeoSure RTF
- Similac Expert Care Alimentum
- Similac Pro-Advance Non-GMO Infant Formula
- Similac Pro-Sensitive Non-GMO Infant Formula
- Earth's Best Organic Low Lactose Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro
Alternatives to Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare
- Enfamil Premature Infant Formula 24 Cal
- Enfamil Gentlease Infant Formula
- Enfamil ProSobee Soy-Based Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Gerber Extensive HA Hypoallergenic
Potential Drawbacks
One potential drawback of Similac NeoSure RTF could be its absence of added probiotics, which may be sought after by parents looking for additional gut health support. Additionally, the estimated cost per ounce is slightly higher than some alternatives.
While Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare includes noteworthy ingredients like MFGM, some parents may prefer to avoid formulas with palm olein oil due to perceptions about its digestibility. Price-wise, it is competitively positioned but still represents a significant investment for families.
Conclusion
Both Similac NeoSure RTF and Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare offer advanced nutrition tailored to the unique needs of premature infants. Similac NeoSure provides digestive health support suited for babies just home from hospital care, while EnfaCare supports cognitive development with MFGM. Parents should weigh these features against personal preferences, costs, and specific nutritional needs. Consulting with a pediatrician can provide invaluable personalized advice to help in making the best choice for each infant.
Sources*
Buy Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare Online
Buy Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.30 g | Fat | 0.20 | 5.50 g | |
| 10.40 g | 0.30 | Carbohydrate | 10.10 g | |
| 2.80 g | Protein | 2.80 g | ||
| 780.00 mg | 30.00 | Linoleic Acid | 750.00 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 NeoSure Post Discharge RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120.00 mg | 15.00 | Calcium | -15.00 | 105.00 mg |
| 66.00 mg | 4.00 | Phosphorus | -4.00 | 62.00 mg |
| 8.00 mg | -1.00 | Magnesium | 1.00 | 9.00 mg |
| 1.80 mg | 0.00 | Iron | 0.00 | 1.80 mg |
| 1.00 mg | -0.20 | Zinc | 0.20 | 1.20 mg |
| 15.00 mcg | 5.00 | Manganese | -5.00 | 10.00 mcg |
| 90.00 mcg | -30.00 | Copper | 30.00 | 120.00 mcg |
| 21.00 mcg | 6.00 | Iodine | -6.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.80 mcg | 0.50 | Selenium | -0.50 | 2.30 mcg |
| 37.00 mg | 4.00 | Sodium | -4.00 | 33.00 mg |
| 105.00 mg | -37.00 | Potassium | 37.00 | 142.00 mg |
| 78.00 mg | 3.00 | Chloride | -3.00 | 75.00 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 NeoSure Post Discharge RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 450.00 IU | 100.00 | Vitamin A | -100.00 | 350.00 IU |
| 75.00 IU | 5.00 | Vitamin D | -5.00 | 70.00 IU |
| 4.00 IU | 0.40 | Vitamin E | -0.40 | 3.60 IU |
| 9.00 mcg | -2.00 | Vitamin K | 2.00 | 11.00 mcg |
| 180.00 mcg | 5.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | -5.00 | 175.00 mcg |
| 200.00 mcg | 50.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | -50.00 | 150.00 mcg |
| 67.00 mcg | -33.00 | Vitamin B6 | 33.00 | 100.00 mcg |
| 0.30 mcg | -0.10 | Vitamin B12 | 0.10 | 0.40 mcg |
| 1000.00 mcg | -950.00 | Niacin | 950.00 | 1950.00 mcg |
| 26.00 mcg | 1.00 | Folic Acid | -1.00 | 25.00 mcg |
| 850.00 mcg | 50.00 | Pantothenic Acid | -50.00 | 800.00 mcg |
| 6.00 mcg | -3.00 | Biotin | 3.00 | 9.00 mcg |
| 16.00 mg | 1.00 | Vitamin C | -1.00 | 15.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 8.00 | Choline | -8.00 | 16.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | -11.00 | Inositol | 11.00 | 35.00 mg |