FormulaSeek - Enfamil Nutramigen vs Similac Advance
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a critical decision for new parents, as it forms the foundation of a baby's nutrition and health. While breastfeeding is highly recommended, infant formulas can offer essential nutrients when breastfeeding is not feasible. Similac Advance and Enfamil Nutramigen are two widely used formulas, each with unique ingredients designed to meet different dietary needs. In this blog post, we'll explore these two formulas in-depth to help you make an informed choice.
Nutritional Composition
The nutritional composition of infant formulas includes key macro and micronutrients needed for growth and development. Similac Advance is designed to be as close to breast milk as possible, featuring a blend of cow's milk-based proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Enfamil Nutramigen, on the other hand, is formulated for infants with special dietary requirements, particularly those with allergies or lactose intolerance.
Similac Advance primarily uses whey protein and lactose as its main carbohydrate source. It includes vegetable oils like safflower, soy, and coconut oil for fats. It is enriched with crucial vitamins and minerals for overall development.
Enfamil Nutramigen contains extensively hydrolyzed casein proteins to minimize allergy risks. It uses corn syrup solids as a carbohydrate source and a blend of vegetable oils, including palm olein, soy, coconut, and high oleic sunflower oil.
Key Differences
| Factor | Similac Advance | Enfamil Nutramigen |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey predominant (60:40 ratio) | Hydrolyzed casein-based |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Corn syrup solids |
| Fat Source | Safflower, soy, coconut oil | Palm olein, soy, coconut, high oleic sunflower oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Prebiotics present | Probiotics (LGG) present |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Enhanced DHA and ARA | Contains DHA and ARA |
| Iron and Calcium Content | High iron and calcium | High iron and calcium |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approximately $0.89/oz (estimated) | Approximately $1.25/oz (estimated) |
| Organic or Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Not specified |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Advance is enriched with a unique blend of nutrients designed to support infant brain and eye development, making it ideal for providing complete nutrition during the first year. It includes added prebiotics to promote healthy gut flora.
Enfamil Nutramigen is specifically designed for babies with cow's milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance. Its extensively hydrolyzed proteins are easier to digest and reduce allergic reactions. It also includes probiotics to support digestive health.
Target Audience
Similac Advance is suitable for healthy infants without specific dietary restrictions, designed to support general growth and development from birth.
Enfamil Nutramigen is tailored for infants with an increased risk or existing diagnosis of allergy to cow's milk protein or those suffering from colic linked to food sensitivity. It's also beneficial for lactose-intolerant babies.
Alternatives
Alternatives to Similac Advance
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant Formula
Alternatives to Enfamil Nutramigen
- Similac Alimentum
- Gerber Extensive HA
- Elecare Infant Formula
- Neocate Infant DHA/ARA
- Hipp HA Combiotic Hypoallergenic
Potential Drawbacks
Similac Advance: While generally well-received, Similac Advance can be more expensive compared to some standard formulas. It might not be suitable for babies with lactose intolerance or cow's milk protein allergy.
Enfamil Nutramigen: The hydrolyzed formula is pricier than standard formulas, and some babies might not enjoy the taste. Availability can be an issue in some areas, and the use of corn syrup solids might be a concern for some parents.
Conclusion
Choosing between Similac Advance and Enfamil Nutramigen largely depends on your baby's specific dietary needs. If your baby is generally healthy with no allergies, Similac Advance provides a complete nutritional package with added prebiotics for gut health. However, if your baby has lactose intolerance or a cow's milk protein allergy, Enfamil Nutramigen's specialized formula with hydrolyzed proteins and probiotics makes it an ideal choice. Always consult with a pediatrician to ensure whichever formula you choose is suitable for your baby's health requirements.
Sources*
Buy Enfamil Nutramigen Online
Buy Similac Advance Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Enfamil Nutramigen | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac Advance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.30 g | Fat | 0.30 | 5.60 g | |
| 10.30 g | Carbohydrate | 0.40 | 10.70 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 Advance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94.00 mg | 49.00 | Calcium | -49.00 | 45.00 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 Advance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |