FormulaSeek - Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare vs Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents who are either supplementing breastfeeding or are unable to breastfeed. The right formula can support a baby's nutritional needs, aid in digestion, and foster healthy growth and development. Among the plethora of options available, two notable infant formulas are Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF and Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of these two formulas to help guide your decision.
Nutritional Composition
Nutritional components play a significant role in the quality of infant formulas. Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF is designed for infants with delicate tummies, using partially hydrolyzed protein to make digestion easier. It includes a carbohydrate blend with a reduced dose of lactose compared to standard formulas. The fat blend does not contain palm olein oil, often found in alternatives, which may support better calcium absorption.
On the other hand, Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare is specially created for premature or low birth weight babies. It has higher amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals compared to standard infant formulas, and it contains a fat-protein blend enriched with DHA and ARA for brain and eye development.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF | Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Partially Hydrolyzed Whey Protein | Whey:Casein Blend |
| Carbohydrate Source | Maltodextrin, Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | No Palm Olein Oil | Palm Olein, Soy, Coconut, and High Oleic Sunflower Oil |
| Prebiotics/Probiotics | 2’-FL HMO Prebiotic | None |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Standard | Enhanced |
| Iron Content | Standard | Higher than regular formulas |
| Calcium Content | Standard | Enhanced |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approx. $0.80* | Approx. $0.70* |
| Organic/Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
*Prices are estimated and may vary based on location and retailer.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF stands out for its ease in digestion, suitable for babies with sensitive tummies. The partially hydrolyzed protein aids those who struggle to process standard proteins. Moreover, its inclusion of 2’-FL HMO prebiotics supports a healthy gut and immune system.
Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare, meanwhile, is formulated with higher nutrient density, ideal for premature or very low birth weight infants. Its enriched composition of proteins and fats contributes to brain and eye development, assisting babies in catching up in growth milestones.
Target Audience
Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF targets infants with lactose sensitivity or those in need of easier digestion solutions due to its hydrolyzed protein content. Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare primarily benefits premature infants or those with low birth weights, catering to their elevated nutritional needs.
Alternatives
Alternatives to Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF
- Gerber Good Start Gentle Pro
- Earth's Best Organic Gentle Infant Formula
- Enfamil Gentlease
- Parent's Choice Gentle
- Happy Baby Organic Sensitive Formula
Alternatives to Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare
- Similac NeoSure
- Enfamil Premature
- Gerber Good Start SoothePro
- Perrigo Preemie Formula
- Nutramigen with Enflora LGG
Potential Drawbacks
While each formula offers benefits, parents should consider potential drawbacks. Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF may come at a higher price point and availability can be limited in smaller retailers. In contrast, Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare, while affordable, may be overly rich for non-premature infants, which could cause overnutrition if not regularly monitored by a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Both Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF and Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare offer unique advantages, specifically catering to sensitive stomachs and premature infants, respectively. Similac is ideal for parents focusing on easy digestion, whereas Enfamil supports catch-up growth for preemies. In either case, consulting with a pediatrician is recommended to ensure the chosen formula aligns with your baby’s specific health requirements.
Sources*
Buy Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare Online
Buy Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
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Nutrient comparison
| Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.30 g | Fat | 0.10 | 5.40 g | |
| 10.40 g | Carbohydrate | 0.30 | 10.70 g | |
| 2.80 g | 0.48 | Protein | 2.32 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 NeuroPro EnfaCare | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 |
| 90.00 mcg | 0.00 | Copper | 0.00 | 90.00 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 | 13.00 | Chloride | -13.00 | 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 EnfaCare | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2.50 | Vitamin E | -2.50 | 1.50 IU |
| 9.00 mcg | 1.00 | Vitamin K | -1.00 | 8.00 mcg |
| 180.00 mcg | 80.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | -80.00 | 100.00 mcg |
| 200.00 mcg | 50.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | -50.00 | 150.00 mcg |
| 67.00 mcg | 7.00 | Vitamin B6 | -7.00 | 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 |
| 26.00 mcg | 11.00 | Folic Acid | -11.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 850.00 mcg | 400.00 | Pantothenic Acid | -400.00 | 450.00 mcg |
| 6.00 mcg | 1.60 | Biotin | -1.60 | 4.40 mcg |
| 16.00 mg | 7.00 | Vitamin C | -7.00 | 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 |