FormulaSeek - Similac 360 Total Care vs Enfamil NeuroPro
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a vital decision that can impact your baby’s growth and development. For parents who are unable, choose not to breastfeed, or are supplementing, the abundance of choices when it comes to formula can be overwhelming. Two popular options in the market are Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil NeuroPro. Each formula is designed to provide the nutrients necessary to support a baby’s growth but varies in composition and target audience. In this article, we will delve into a detailed comparison of these two leading infant formulas.
Nutritional Composition
Nutrition is the cornerstone of any infant formula, and understanding what each formula provides is crucial for parents. Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil NeuroPro both offer a comprehensive suite of nutrients, but they have some differences in their nutritional profiles:
Similac 360 Total Care: It typically contains a balanced protein mix and is known for using milk protein isolate, which provides both casein and whey proteins desirable for infant digestion.
Enfamil NeuroPro: This formula uses a blend of nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate, with a special emphasis on fat sources from palm oil and other vegetable oils, replicating breast milk more closely in terms of carbohydrate profile through lactose.
Key Differences
Below is a table outlining key differences between Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil NeuroPro:
| Criteria | Similac 360 Total Care | Enfamil NeuroPro |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Milk protein isolate (whey and casein) | Nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | High oleic safflower oil, soy oil | Palm olein, soy oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | 2'-FL HMO prebiotic | Contains MFGM and DHA |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Yes | Yes |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Yes | Yes |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.40* | $0.45* |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
*Prices are estimated and may vary based on location and retailer.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac 360 Total Care boasts its use of 2'-FL HMO, which supports a baby’s developing immune system. It's free from artificial growth hormones and designed to be close to breast milk.
Enfamil NeuroPro is notable for its inclusion of MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), providing enhanced cognitive development benefits thanks to its fat-protein blend inspired by breast milk composition.
Target Audience
Similac 360 Total Care may be suitable for babies who can benefit from additional immune support due to the inclusion of prebiotics such as 2'-FL HMO.
Enfamil NeuroPro is an excellent option for parents particularly concerned about cognitive development and is suitable for almost all babies without specific digestive issues.
Alternatives to Similac 360 Total Care
- Similac Pro-Advance
- Similac Organic
- Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula
- Similac Pro-Sensitive
- Kirkland Signature ProCare
Alternatives to Enfamil NeuroPro
- Enfamil Enspire
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro
- Happy Baby Organic
- Enfamil Gentlease
- Parent’s Choice Advantage
Potential Drawbacks
Similac 360 Total Care: Some parents may find it relatively more expensive, and availability can be inconsistent due to supply chain issues.
Enfamil NeuroPro: Palm olein oil might be a concern for some parents due to its potential impact on calcium absorption; it’s also on the pricier side.
Conclusion
Both Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil NeuroPro offer robust nutritional profiles designed to support an infant's healthy development. Similac emphasizes immunity and non-GMO credentials, while Enfamil highlights cognitive development with MFGM enhancement. Ultimately, the choice may come down to individual baby needs, budget considerations, and availability. Parents are strongly encouraged to consult with their pediatrician to determine the best formula for their child’s unique requirements.
Sources*
Buy Similac 360 Total Care Online
Buy Enfamil NeuroPro Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac 360 Total Care | +/- | Data | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.60 g | 0.30 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.50 g | Carbohydrate | 0.80 | 11.30 g | |
| 2.07 g | Protein | 0.03 | 2.10 g | |
| 1000.00 mg | 220.00 | Linoleic Acid | 780.00 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.
| Similac 360 Total Care | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78.00 mg | 0.00 | Calcium | 0.00 | 78.00 mg |
| 42.00 mg | -1.00 | Phosphorus | 1.00 | 43.00 mg |
| 6.00 mg | -2.00 | Magnesium | 2.00 | 8.00 mg |
| 1.80 mg | 0.00 | Iron | 0.00 | 1.80 mg |
| 0.75 mg | -0.25 | Zinc | 0.25 | 1.00 mg |
| 5.00 mcg | -10.00 | Manganese | 10.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 90.00 mcg | 15.00 | Copper | -15.00 | 75.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Iodine | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.00 mcg | -0.80 | Selenium | 0.80 | 2.80 mcg |
| 24.00 mg | -3.00 | Sodium | 3.00 | 27.00 mg |
| 105.00 mg | -3.00 | Potassium | 3.00 | 108.00 mg |
| 65.00 mg | 2.00 | Chloride | -2.00 | 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.
| Similac 360 Total Care | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60.00 IU | Vitamin D | |||
| 1.50 IU | -0.50 | Vitamin E | 0.50 | 2.00 IU |
| 8.00 mcg | -1.00 | Vitamin K | 1.00 | 9.00 mcg |
| 100.00 mcg | 20.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | -20.00 | 80.00 mcg |
| 150.00 mcg | 10.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | -10.00 | 140.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin B6 | 0.00 | 60.00 mcg |
| 0.25 mcg | -0.05 | Vitamin B12 | 0.05 | 0.30 mcg |
| 1050.00 mcg | 50.00 | Niacin | -50.00 | 1000.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | -1.00 | Folic Acid | 1.00 | 16.00 mcg |
| 450.00 mcg | -50.00 | Pantothenic Acid | 50.00 | 500.00 mcg |
| 4.40 mcg | 1.40 | Biotin | -1.40 | 3.00 mcg |
| 9.00 mg | -61.00 | Vitamin C | 61.00 | 70.00 IU |
| 24.00 mg | 0.00 | Choline | 0.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 0.00 | Inositol | 0.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |