FormulaSeek - Enfamil Nutramigen vs Similac 360 Total Care RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision that impacts a baby's nutrition and overall health. With myriad options available, it's essential to find a formula that aligns with your child's needs. Two popular choices are Similac 360 Total Care RTF and Enfamil Nutramigen. Each formula is designed to cater to different dietary requirements and sensibilities. This blog post will delve into these two options to help you make an informed decision.
Nutritional Composition
Infant formulas vary widely in their nutritional components. Similac 360 Total Care RTF provides a balanced diet featuring both whey and casein proteins, along with carbohydrates primarily from lactose. Its fat sources include a blend of oils such as safflower, soy, and coconut. In contrast, Enfamil Nutramigen is specially designed with extensively hydrolyzed proteins, which are easier to digest. Its carbohydrates come from a combination of corn syrup solids and modified corn starch, with fats primarily derived from palm olein oil. Both formulas are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to support growth and development.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac 360 Total Care RTF | Enfamil Nutramigen |
|---|---|---|
| Protein source | Whey-to-casein ratio | Extensively hydrolyzed protein |
| Carbohydrate source | Lactose | Corn syrup solids, Modified corn starch |
| Fat source | Safflower, Soy, Coconut oils | Palm olein oil, Soy oil |
| Prebiotics and probiotics | Prebiotics present | None |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) levels | Enhanced levels | Standard levels |
| Iron and calcium content | Standard | Standard |
| Estimated cost per ounce | $0.50 (estimated) | $0.60 (estimated) |
| Organic or non-GMO certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac 360 Total Care RTF includes prebiotics, which help in supporting digestive health and enhancing gut flora. The inclusion of enhanced DHA and ARA helps in brain and eye development. Meanwhile, Enfamil Nutramigen is a nutrient-dense formula with hydrolyzed proteins for easier digestion, making it a suitable choice for babies with food allergies or sensitivities.
Target Audience
Similac 360 Total Care RTF is ideal for healthy infants needing complete balanced nutrition. Enfamil Nutramigen caters specifically to babies who experience discomfort or allergic reactions to regular milk proteins, providing critical support in easing sensitive stomachs and managing cow's milk protein allergies.
Similac 360 Total Care RTF Alternatives
- Similac Pro-Advance
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
Enfamil Nutramigen Alternatives
- Similac Alimentum
- Gerber Extensive HA
- EleCare Infant Formula
- PurAmino Hypoallergenic
- Nutricia Neocate Infant DHA/ARA
Potential Drawbacks
Both formulas have some concerns. Similac 360 Total Care RTF, for instance, can be more expensive compared to standard formulas and might not be readily available in all regions. Enfamil Nutramigen, while effective for sensitive infants, is also costly and some parents might find its taste and smell less appealing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the right infant formula involves balancing nutritional needs, health considerations, and financial constraints. Similac 360 Total Care RTF is great for general nourishment and digestive health, thanks to its prebiotic content. Enfamil Nutramigen stands out for its suitability in managing allergies and sensitivities. As with any dietary choice for your baby, consulting a pediatrician should be a part of your decision process to ensure your child's health and well-being.
Sources*
Buy Enfamil Nutramigen Online
Buy Similac 360 Total Care RTF Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
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Nutrient comparison
| Enfamil Nutramigen | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.30 g | Fat | 0.10 | 5.40 g | |
| 10.30 g | Carbohydrate | 0.70 | 11.00 g | |
| 2.80 g | 1.73 | Protein | 1.07 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 RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |