FormulaSeek - Similac 360 Total Care vs Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents who supplement breastfeeding or rely solely on formula feeding. The right formula can affect your baby's growth, digestive comfort, and nutritional needs. Two popular choices in the infant formula market are Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare. Both are designed to provide comprehensive nutritional profiles but cater to slightly different needs and preferences. This blog post will delve into a detailed comparison of these two formulas to help you make an informed decision.
Nutritional Composition
When it comes to infant formulas, the nutritional composition is a primary consideration. Similac 360 Total Care is designed as an all-in-one formula, offering a balanced ratio of whey and casein proteins, primarily derived from cow's milk. It uses lactose as its primary carbohydrate source to help facilitate gentle digestion. The fat blend includes vegetable oils like safflower and soy. Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare, on the other hand, is specially formulated for premature babies, providing a higher caloric density with added nutrients tailored to support growth and development. It also relies on cow's milk proteins with additional MCT oils to aid fat absorption.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac 360 Total Care | Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey and Casein | Whey and Casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Safflower Oil, Soybean Oil | MCT Oil, Soy Oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Prebiotics | Prebiotics and Probiotics |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Medium | High |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Standard Levels | Enhanced Levels |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approx. $0.30 | Approx. $0.35 |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac 360 Total Care includes a blend of nucleotides for immune support, along with prebiotics to aid in digestion and enhance gut health. It's crafted to be gentle on the tummy, making it suitable for many infants. Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare is enriched with extra calories and high DHA/ARA levels, tailored to meet the needs of premature or low-birth-weight babies, supporting rapid brain and eye development.
Target Audience
Similac 360 Total Care is suitable for most infants, particularly those who thrive on a formula closest to breast milk. It's gentle for babies with sensitive tummies. Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare, however, is targeted towards premature or low-birth-weight infants who require more nutrition to catch up on growth and development milestones.
Alternatives to Similac 360 Total Care
- Similac Pro-Advance
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro
- Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
Alternatives to Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare
- Similac NeoSure
- Gerber Good Start Premature
- Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula
- Similac Advance
- Baby's Only Organic Dairy Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Similac 360 Total Care, while widely accessible, may seem costlier to some parents over time compared to generic brands. Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare is specifically designed for premature infants, which limits its general use and availability, potentially making it harder to find locally. Both formulas contain cow's milk proteins, which may not be suitable for infants with dairy allergies or intolerances.
Conclusion
Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare both offer distinct advantages depending on your infant's specific needs. While both aim to provide a comprehensive nutritional profile, Similac 360 Total Care is generally suitable for everyday infant feeding with added immune benefits. In contrast, Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare is specifically for premature babies who need additional nutritional support. Consult with a pediatrician to determine which formula best meets your baby's unique nutritional requirements.
Sources*
Buy Similac 360 Total Care Online
Buy Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac 360 Total Care | +/- | Data | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.60 g | 0.30 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.50 g | 0.10 | Carbohydrate | 10.40 g | |
| 2.07 g | Protein | 0.73 | 2.80 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 EnfaCare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78.00 mg | -42.00 | Calcium | 42.00 | 120.00 mg |
| 42.00 mg | -24.00 | Phosphorus | 24.00 | 66.00 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 | 0.00 | Copper | 0.00 | 90.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | -6.00 | Iodine | 6.00 | 21.00 mcg |
| 2.00 mcg | -0.80 | Selenium | 0.80 | 2.80 mcg |
| 24.00 mg | -13.00 | Sodium | 13.00 | 37.00 mg |
| 105.00 mg | 0.00 | Potassium | 0.00 | 105.00 mg |
| 65.00 mg | -13.00 | Chloride | 13.00 | 78.00 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 EnfaCare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.50 IU | -2.50 | Vitamin E | 2.50 | 4.00 IU |
| 8.00 mcg | -1.00 | Vitamin K | 1.00 | 9.00 mcg |
| 100.00 mcg | -80.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | 80.00 | 180.00 mcg |
| 150.00 mcg | -50.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 50.00 | 200.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | -7.00 | Vitamin B6 | 7.00 | 67.00 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 | -11.00 | Folic Acid | 11.00 | 26.00 mcg |
| 450.00 mcg | -400.00 | Pantothenic Acid | 400.00 | 850.00 mcg |
| 4.40 mcg | -1.60 | Biotin | 1.60 | 6.00 mcg |
| 9.00 mg | -7.00 | Vitamin C | 7.00 | 16.00 mg |
| 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 | -150.00 | Vitamin A | 150.00 | 450.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | -15.00 | Vitamin D | 15.00 | 75.00 IU |