FormulaSeek - Enfamil Nutramigen RTF vs Similac ProTotal Comfort
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is pivotal to ensuring your baby's optimal growth and development. For infants who cannot rely on breastfeeding alone, these formulas provide essential nutrients. However, with numerous options in the market, understanding which formula best suits your baby's needs can be daunting. In this blog post, we will delve into two popular infant formulas: Similac ProTotal Comfort and Enfamil Nutramigen RTF.
Nutritional Composition
The nutritional composition of infant formulas can greatly influence a baby's digestive health, growth, and development. Here we compare the nutrient profiles of Similac ProTotal Comfort and Enfamil Nutramigen RTF.
Similac ProTotal Comfort is designed to ease digestion with a gentle protein blend mostly consisting of whey protein. It uses corn maltodextrin as its primary carbohydrate source and features a blend of vegetable oils, including high oleic safflower, soy, and coconut oils, as its fat sources. This formula is also fortified with DHA and lutein to support brain and eye development, along with all necessary vitamins and minerals.
Enfamil Nutramigen RTF is specifically crafted for babies with severe allergies or colic due to cow's milk protein sensitivity. It features extensively hydrolyzed casein protein, making it easier for sensitive stomachs. The formula's carbohydrate source is corn syrup solids. The fat blend includes palm olein, soy, coconut, and high oleic sunflower oil. It also contains DHA and ARA to promote brain and eye development.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac ProTotal Comfort | Enfamil Nutramigen RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Mainly Whey Protein | Extensively Hydrolyzed Casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn Maltodextrin | Corn Syrup Solids |
| Fat Source | High Oleic Safflower, Soy, Coconut Oil | Palm Olein, Soy, Coconut, High Oleic Sunflower Oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | 2'-FL HMO (prebiotic) | Lactobacillus GG (probiotic) |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Yes | Yes |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Yes | Yes |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approx. $0.20* | Approx. $0.35* |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
*Note: Prices are estimated and may vary by location and retailer.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac ProTotal Comfort features an easy-to-digest protein blend and the inclusion of 2'-FL HMO, a prebiotic similar to those found in breast milk, supporting digestive health and developing immune systems. Its gentle formulation makes it ideal for babies with occasional fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity.
Enfamil Nutramigen RTF is specifically formulated for infants with cow's milk protein allergies. Its hydrolyzed protein diminishes allergenic potential, and the addition of Lactobacillus GG, a probiotic, promotes gut health. Nutramigen aims to reduce colic symptoms if managed properly.
Target Audience
Similac ProTotal Comfort is an excellent choice for infants experiencing mild lactose sensitivities or digestive discomforts. Its formulation can aid babies with typical fussiness and gas.
Enfamil Nutramigen RTF, on the other hand, targets infants with severe allergies to cow's milk protein and those troubled by colic symptoms. Its extensively hydrolyzed protein suits infants with sensitive tummies.
Alternatives to Similac ProTotal Comfort
- Similac Sensitive (for lactose sensitivity)
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Earth's Best Organic Sensitivity
- Enfamil Gentlease
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
Alternatives to Enfamil Nutramigen RTF
- Similac Alimentum
- Gerber Extensive HA
- Earth's Best Dairy Infant Formula
- Similac Total Comfort
- Gerber Good Start Soy
Potential Drawbacks
Similac ProTotal Comfort can be on the pricier side for parents, and some infants might not respond to the formulation as expected in case of severe digestive issues.
Enfamil Nutramigen RTF is a more costly option due to its specialized formulation. The formula's taste might be a turn-off for some infants, and availability can be limited in certain regions.
Conclusion
Both Similac ProTotal Comfort and Enfamil Nutramigen RTF bring distinctive value, yet cater to different needs in infants. Similac ProTotal Comfort is suited for infants with milder lactose sensitivity, offering a gentle option to ease fussiness. In contrast, Enfamil Nutramigen RTF addresses severe protein allergies with its hydrolyzed composition. As you navigate through the abundant choices, remember that consulting with a pediatrician will provide profound insights tailored to your baby's unique nutritional requirements.
Sources*
Buy Enfamil Nutramigen RTF Online
Buy Similac ProTotal Comfort Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
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Nutrient comparison
| Enfamil Nutramigen RTF | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac ProTotal Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.30 g | Fat | 0.10 | 5.40 g | |
| 10.30 g | Carbohydrate | 0.40 | 10.70 g | |
| 2.80 g | 0.48 | Protein | 2.32 g | |
| 860.00 mg | Linoleic Acid | 140.00 | 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 RTF | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac ProTotal Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94.00 mg | -11.00 | Calcium | 11.00 | 105.00 mg |
| 52.00 mg | -23.00 | Phosphorus | 23.00 | 75.00 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 | 3.00 | Sodium | -3.00 | 44.00 mg |
| 110.00 mg | -8.00 | Potassium | 8.00 | 118.00 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 RTF | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac ProTotal Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 0.50 | 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 mcg | -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 |
| 17.00 mg | -7.00 | Inositol | 7.00 | 24.00 mg |