FormulaSeek - Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula vs Enfamil Nutramigen RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents who either cannot breastfeed or choose to supplement breast milk. The right formula will provide the necessary nutrients to support your baby's growth and development, especially during the first year of life. Among the multitude of options available, Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula and Enfamil Nutramigen RTF stand out as two popular choices, each serving unique dietary needs.
Nutritional Composition
When considering a formula, parents should pay close attention to its nutritional composition. Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula is designed for babies with sensitive tummies and features a protein blend ideal for easy digestion. Meanwhile, Enfamil Nutramigen RTF (Ready to Feed) is a hypoallergenic formula aimed at babies with extreme colic or protein allergies.
Enfamil Sensitive primarily utilizes milk protein isolate and lactose as its protein and carbohydrate sources, while Enfamil Nutramigen uses extensively hydrolyzed casein to minimize allergenic potential. Both formulas include a range of essential vitamins and minerals necessary for infant development.
Key Differences
| Feature | Enfamil Sensitive | Enfamil Nutramigen RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Milk Protein Isolate | Hydrolyzed Casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Corn Syrup Solids |
| Fat Source | Palm Olein, Soy, and Coconut Oil | Safflower Oil, MCT Oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | No | Yes, LGG Probiotic |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) | Yes | Yes |
| Iron Content | 1.8 mg/fl oz | 1.8 mg/fl oz |
| Calcium Content | 56 mg/fl oz | 56 mg/fl oz |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.20 | $0.50 |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Enfamil Sensitive is specially formulated to be gentle on a baby's stomach, reducing fussiness and gas. It doesn't contain any highly-reactive proteins and uses a whey-dominant protein blend that's easier for infants to digest. Conversely, Enfamil Nutramigen's extensively hydrolyzed protein is specifically designed for infants with milk protein allergies or frequent colic. It also contains LGG probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
Target Audience
Enfamil Sensitive is ideal for infants who are prone to gassiness or have mild lactose sensitivity but do not have an allergy. Enfamil Nutramigen is particularly beneficial for babies with cow’s milk protein allergies, lactose intolerance, or severe colic caused by protein sensitivities.
Alternatives for Enfamil Sensitive
- Similac Sensitive
- Gerber Good Start Soothe
- Parent's Choice Sensitivity
- Earth's Best Organic Sensitivity
- Happy Baby Organic Sensitive
Alternatives for Enfamil Nutramigen RTF
- Similac Alimentum
- Gerber Extensive HA
- Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Sensitive
- Parent's Choice Hypoallergenic
Potential Drawbacks
For Enfamil Sensitive, the primary concerns are its cost and the presence of palm olein oil, which some believe may interfere with calcium absorption. Enfamil Nutramigen RTF is more expensive, potentially less accessible due to price, and some infants may not accept its taste.
Conclusion
In summary, both Enfamil Sensitive and Enfamil Nutramigen RTF provide essential nutritional support with unique benefits tailored to specific needs. Parents of babies with mild digestive issues or lactose sensitivity might opt for Enfamil Sensitive. In contrast, Enfamil Nutramigen RTF's formula is optimal for infants with severe allergies or colic induced by protein sensitivity. Always consult with a pediatrician to determine the best formula choice for your child's unique needs.
Sources*
Buy Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula Online
Buy Enfamil Nutramigen RTF Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula | +/- | Data | +/- | Enfamil Nutramigen RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.30 g | Fat | 5.30 g | ||
| 10.90 g | 0.60 | Carbohydrate | 10.30 g | |
| 2.20 g | Protein | 0.60 | 2.80 g | |
| 0 | Linoleic Acid | 860.00 | 860.00 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 Sensitive Infant Formula | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Enfamil Nutramigen RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88.00 mg | -6.00 | Calcium | 6.00 | 94.00 mg |
| 59.00 mg | 7.00 | Phosphorus | -7.00 | 52.00 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 |
| 15.00 mcg | -10.00 | Manganese | 10.00 | 25.00 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 |
| 33.00 mg | -14.00 | Sodium | 14.00 | 47.00 mg |
| 110.00 mg | 0.00 | Potassium | 0.00 | 110.00 mg |
| 67.00 mg | -19.00 | Chloride | 19.00 | 86.00 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 Sensitive Infant Formula | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Enfamil Nutramigen RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 70.00 IU | 20.00 | Vitamin D | -20.00 | 50.00 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 |
| 140.00 mcg | 50.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | -50.00 | 90.00 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 |
| 24.00 mcg | 7.00 | Inositol | -7.00 | 17.00 mg |