FormulaSeek - Enfamil Nutramigen RTF vs Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a critical decision for many parents. It ensures that your baby receives the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth and development, especially in instances where breastfeeding might not be feasible. Among the array of available options, two prominent formulas are Enfamil Nutramigen RTF (Ready-To-Feed) and Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula. This blog post will compare these two products to aid you in making an informed choice for your little one.
Nutritional Composition
Both Enfamil Nutramigen RTF and Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula offer essential nutrients, but they do so through different compositions. Enfamil Nutramigen RTF is specially formulated with extensively hydrolyzed protein and is lactose-free, making it a suggested option for infants with cow's milk protein allergy. Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula provides a smooth blend of whey and casein proteins, designed to mimic the profile of breast milk for easy digestion.
Key Differences
| Feature | Enfamil Nutramigen RTF | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Extensively hydrolyzed casein | 60% Whey / 40% casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn syrup solids | Lactose, maltodextrin |
| Fat Source | Palm olein, coconut, soy | Safflower, palm |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Absent | Includes prebiotics (FOS - fructo-oligosaccharides) |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Available | Available |
| Iron and Calcium Content | High | High |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.30 | $0.20 |
| Organic or Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Organic |
Special Features and Benefits
Enfamil Nutramigen RTF is ideal for infants with cow's milk protein allergies due to its extensively hydrolyzed protein. It is also lactose-free, accommodating lactose-sensitive babies. In contrast, Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula uses an organic profile of whey and casein ratios designed to aid digestion. It contains prebiotics to support gut health, making it a closer mimic to breast milk.
Target Audience
Enfamil Nutramigen RTF suits infants with allergies, specifically to cow's milk protein, or those who are lactose-sensitive. Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula is more suitable for term infants displaying digestive sensitivity but lack specific protein allergies. Its organic components may appeal to parents wanting natural ingredients.
Alternatives for Enfamil Nutramigen RTF
- Similac Alimentum Ready-to-Feed
- Gerber Extensive HA
- Neocate Infant DHA/ARA
- EleCare Infant Formula
- Nutricia Pepticate
Alternatives for Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Similac Organic with A2 Milk
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro
- Plum Organics Infant Formula
- Parent's Choice Gentle Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Enfamil Nutramigen RTF's higher cost might deter some parents, and it lacks prebiotics, which might benefit gut health. Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula, though cost-effective, may not suit babies with extreme lactose intolerance or specific protein allergies. Limited availability in some regions and the use of palm oil in the fat blend may also be concerns for parents of both formulas.
Conclusion
In summary, Enfamil Nutramigen RTF is best for babies with severe allergies and lactose intolerance due to its hydrolyzed protein and lactose-free formula. On the other hand, if your infant's needs are centered around digestive ease and an organic preference, Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula might be the ideal choice. Regardless, consulting with a pediatrician before transitioning your baby to a specific formula is crucial to address individual needs and allergies appropriately.
Sources*
Buy Enfamil Nutramigen RTF Online
Buy Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Enfamil Nutramigen RTF | +/- | Data | +/- | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.30 g | Fat | 5.30 g | ||
| 10.30 g | Carbohydrate | 0.50 | 10.80 g | |
| 2.80 g | 0.50 | Protein | 2.30 g | |
| 860.00 mg | 110.00 | Linoleic Acid | 750.00 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 RTF | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94.00 mg | 12.00 | Calcium | -12.00 | 82.00 mg |
| 52.00 mg | 6.00 | Phosphorus | -6.00 | 46.00 mg |
| 8.00 mg | 0.00 | Magnesium | 0.00 | 8.00 mg |
| 1.80 mg | 0.00 | Iron | 0.00 | 1.80 mg |
| 1.00 mg | 0.00 | Zinc | 0.00 | 1.00 mg |
| 25.00 mcg | 10.00 | Manganese | -10.00 | 15.00 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 mcg | 0.00 | Selenium | 0.00 | 2.80 mcg |
| 47.00 mg | 11.00 | Sodium | -11.00 | 36.00 mg |
| 110.00 mg | 2.00 | Potassium | -2.00 | 108.00 mg |
| 86.00 mg | 23.00 | Chloride | -23.00 | 63.00 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 RTF | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Earth's Best Gentle Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 50.00 IU | -10.00 | Vitamin D | 10.00 | 60.00 IU |
| 2.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin E | 0.00 | 2.00 IU |
| 9.00 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin K | 0.00 | 9.00 mcg |
| 80.00 mcg | 0.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | 0.00 | 80.00 mcg |
| 90.00 mcg | -50.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 50.00 | 140.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin B6 | 0.00 | 60.00 mcg |
| 0.30 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin B12 | 0.00 | 0.30 mcg |
| 1000.00 mcg | 0.00 | Niacin | 0.00 | 1000.00 mcg |
| 16.00 mcg | 0.00 | Folic Acid | 0.00 | 16.00 mcg |
| 500.00 mcg | 0.00 | Pantothenic Acid | 0.00 | 500.00 mcg |
| 3.00 mcg | 0.00 | Biotin | 0.00 | 3.00 mcg |
| 12.00 mg | 0.00 | Vitamin C | 0.00 | 12.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 0.00 | Choline | 0.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 17.00 mg | 11.00 | Inositol | -11.00 | 6.00 mg |