FormulaSeek - Enfamil Nutramigen vs Similac 360 Total Care
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents who may supplement breastfeeding or choose formula feeding due to various reasons. The right infant formula ensures that babies receive essential nutrients necessary for growth and development. Two popular options parents often consider are Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Nutramigen. Similac 360 Total Care is designed to provide comprehensive nutrition akin to breast milk, while Enfamil Nutramigen is tailored for infants with colic due to cow's milk allergy. This blog post will delve into the nutritional components, key differences, special features, target audience, alternatives, and potential drawbacks of these two formulas to help you make an informed decision.
Nutritional Composition
Nutritional composition is a critical aspect when selecting an infant formula. Similac 360 Total Care boasts a carefully selected blend of nutrients that aim to mimic the beneficial components of breast milk. This includes a balance of whey and casein proteins, carbohydrates primarily from lactose, and a variety of essential fats, vitamins, and minerals.
On the other hand, Enfamil Nutramigen is formulated with hydrolyzed proteins to aid babies with cow's milk protein allergy or lactose sensitivity. It also contains corn syrup solids as a carbohydrate source and a combination of oils for fats, alongside a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals necessary for infant health.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac 360 Total Care | Enfamil Nutramigen |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey/Casein | Hydrolyzed Casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Corn Syrup Solids |
| Fat Source | Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil | Vegetable Oils (Palm Olein, Soy, Coconut, High Oleic Sunflower) |
| Prebiotics/Probiotics | Prebiotics | Probiotics |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) | Yes | Yes |
| Iron Content | Iron-fortified | Iron-fortified |
| Calcium Content | Adequate levels | Adequate levels |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.84 (estimated) | $1.40 (estimated) |
| Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac 360 Total Care offers an extensive nutrient profile with easy-to-digest proteins and prebiotics, promoting digestive health and supporting a developing immune system. It mirrors key components found in breast milk to ensure optimal nutrition and support brain development with DHA and ARA.
Enfamil Nutramigen is specifically engineered for infants with allergic reactions to cow's milk proteins. It utilizes extensively hydrolyzed proteins, which are easier to digest and reduce allergy symptoms. With added probiotics, it enhances gut health, which is helpful for infants with colic or lactose sensitivity.
Target Audience
Similac 360 Total Care is ideally suited for infants with a standard dietary need, whose parents are looking for a formula that closely resembles breast milk nutritionally. It is perfect for babies transitioning from breastfeeding or for those parents seeking a quality, well-rounded formula.
Enfamil Nutramigen is targeted toward infants with dietary sensitivities, particularly cow's milk protein allergy. It is beneficial for babies experiencing colic symptoms due to milk allergies, and for parents who need a formula that is gentle on sensitive stomachs.
Alternatives for Similac 360 Total Care
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Plum Organics Grow Well Infant Formula
- Perrigo Gentle Infant Formula
Alternatives for Enfamil Nutramigen
- Similac Alimentum
- HiPP HA Combiotic
- Gerber Extensive HA
- Neocate Infant with DHA and ARA
- Enfamil PurAmino
Potential Drawbacks
Similac 360 Total Care: While it offers comprehensive nutrition, some parents might find it relatively costly compared to basic formulas. Availability could also be a concern in certain regions, and some babies might not tolerate it well if they have specific dietary needs.
Enfamil Nutramigen: This formula's primary drawback is its higher cost, stemming from its specialized composition. Parents might also face availability issues, and its taste may differ significantly from regular formulas, which some babies may initially reject.
Conclusion
Both Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Nutramigen offer distinct benefits targeting different infant needs. Similac 360 Total Care is an excellent choice for a comprehensive nutrient-rich formula for general infant nutrition. For infants with specific dietary sensitivities or allergies, Enfamil Nutramigen is superior due to its hypoallergenic formulation and gut health benefits. Parents are encouraged to consult with their pediatrician to determine the best option tailored to their baby’s health and nutritional requirements, considering their medical history and unique needs.
Sources*
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Buy Similac 360 Total Care Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Enfamil Nutramigen | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.30 g | Fat | 0.30 | 5.60 g | |
| 10.30 g | Carbohydrate | 0.20 | 10.50 g | |
| 2.80 g | 0.73 | Protein | 2.07 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 Nutramigen | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94.00 mg | 16.00 | Calcium | -16.00 | 78.00 mg |
| 52.00 mg | 10.00 | Phosphorus | -10.00 | 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 |
| 25.00 mcg | 20.00 | Manganese | -20.00 | 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 |
| 47.00 mg | 23.00 | Sodium | -23.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 110.00 mg | 5.00 | Potassium | -5.00 | 105.00 mg |
| 86.00 mg | 21.00 | Chloride | -21.00 | 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 Nutramigen | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin D | 0.00 | 60.00 IU |
| 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 |
| 90.00 mcg | -60.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 60.00 | 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 mg | -1.40 | Biotin | 1.40 | 4.40 mcg |
| 12.00 mg | 3.00 | Vitamin C | -3.00 | 9.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 0.00 | Choline | 0.00 | 24.00 mg |