FormulaSeek - Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease vs Similac Alimentum RTF


Updated: 12/7/2024


Introduction

Choosing the right infant formula is a critical decision for parents who want to ensure their babies receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development. The market offers a wide variety of formulas catering to specific dietary needs and health conditions. Among these are Similac Alimentum Ready-to-Feed (RTF) and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease, two popular options. While both aim to provide essential nutrition, they differ in composition and target audience. In this post, we'll delve into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed choice for your little one.

Nutritional Composition

One of the first things to consider when selecting a formula is its nutritional makeup. Similac Alimentum RTF is known for its hypoallergenic formula designed to ease digestion for infants with allergies, utilizing extensively hydrolyzed casein protein. In contrast, Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease focuses on easing digestive discomfort and includes partially hydrolyzed proteins primarily from whey. Both formulas provide essential vitamins and minerals, but they differ in their carbohydrate sources and fats.

Key Differences

Component Similac Alimentum RTF Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
Protein Source Extensively hydrolyzed casein Partially hydrolyzed whey protein
Carbohydrate Source Corn maltodextrin Lactose reduced with maltodextrin
Fat Source Safflower oil, MCT oil Palm olein oil, sunflower oil
Prebiotics/Probiotics No Yes, contains prebiotics
Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels Present Higher level of DHA
Iron and Calcium Content Standard Standard but slightly higher in calcium
Estimated Cost per Ounce $0.75 (Note: Prices are estimated) $0.50 (Note: Prices are estimated)
Organic/Non-GMO Certification Non-GMO Non-GMO

Special Features and Benefits

Similac Alimentum RTF is specifically formulated for babies with food allergies or colic due to protein sensitivity. Its extensively hydrolyzed protein is designed to minimize allergic reactions and ease feeding problems associated with other protein sources. On the other hand, Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease includes a unique blend that contains Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM), an ingredient found in breast milk that supports cognitive development. It's designed for babies experiencing fussiness, crying, or gas.

Target Audience

Similac Alimentum RTF is ideal for infants with severe food allergies, particularly to cow's milk protein. It's also suitable for babies with colic due to protein sensitivity. Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease is targeted towards infants who experience feeding issues like gas, fussiness, or mild lactose sensitivity.

Alternatives

Alternatives to Similac Alimentum RTF

1. Nutramigen with Enflora LGG
2. Gerber Extensive HA
3. EleCare Infant Formula
4. Enfamil PurAmino
5. Neocate Infant DHA/ARA

Alternatives to Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease

1. Similac Pro-Sensitive
2. Gerber Good Start Gentle
3. Happy Baby Organics Sensitive Formula
4. Earth's Best Organic Gentle Infant Formula
5. Parent's Choice Gentle Formula

Potential Drawbacks

While Similac Alimentum RTF is effective for allergen-sensitive babies, its cost can be a concern, as well as its slightly metallic taste and smell. Availability can also be an issue in certain regions. Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease is generally more affordable, but some parents may be concerned about the inclusion of palm olein oil, which some suggest may affect calcium absorption. As with all formulas, cost and accessibility vary by location and retailer.

Conclusion

Both Similac Alimentum RTF and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease offer unique benefits tailored to different infant needs. Similac Alimentum is a great choice for babies with severe allergies or dairy intolerance, whereas Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease benefits those experiencing digestive discomfort with a focus on cognitive development. It's essential to balance the nutritional needs with special diet considerations. Parents should always consult with a pediatrician to determine the best option for their infant's specific health requirements.

Sources*

Buy Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Online

Buy Similac Alimentum RTF Online

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Nutrient comparison

Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease +/- Data +/- Similac Alimentum RTF
5.30 g Fat 0.24 5.54 g
10.80 g 0.60 Carbohydrate 10.20 g
2.30 g Protein 0.45 2.75 g
780.00 mg Linoleic Acid 1120.00 1900.00 mg

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 Gentlease +/- Minerals +/- Similac Alimentum RTF
82.00 mg -23.00 Calcium 23.00 105.00 mg
46.00 mg -29.00 Phosphorus 29.00 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
75.00 mcg 0.00 Copper 0.00 75.00 mcg
15.00 mcg 0.00 Iodine 0.00 15.00 mcg
2.80 mg 0.80 Selenium -0.80 2.00 mcg
40.00 mg -4.00 Sodium 4.00 44.00 mg
108.00 mg -10.00 Potassium 10.00 118.00 mg
63.00 mg -17.00 Chloride 17.00 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 Gentlease +/- Vitamin +/- Similac Alimentum RTF
300.00 IU 0.00 Vitamin A 0.00 300.00 IU
60.00 IU 15.00 Vitamin D -15.00 45.00 IU
2.00 IU -1.00 Vitamin E 1.00 3.00 IU
9.00 mcg -6.00 Vitamin K 6.00 15.00 mcg
80.00 mcg 20.00 Thiamin (Vit B1) -20.00 60.00 mcg
140.00 mcg 50.00 Riboflavin (Vit B2) -50.00 90.00 mcg
6.00 mcg -54.00 Vitamin B6 54.00 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
16.00 mcg 1.00 Folic Acid -1.00 15.00 mcg
500.00 mcg -250.00 Pantothenic Acid 250.00 750.00 mcg
3.00 mcg -1.50 Biotin 1.50 4.50 mcg
12.00 mg 3.00 Vitamin C -3.00 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