FormulaSeek - Similac 360 Total Care vs Enfamil NeuroPro RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents as it plays a foundational role in their child's nutrition and development. For those who cannot breastfeed or need to supplement, formula milk offers essential nutrients that mimic those found in breast milk. Two popular choices available are Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil NeuroPro Ready-to-Feed (RTF). This blog post aims to provide a detailed comparison of these two infant formulas to help parents make an informed choice.
Nutritional Composition
Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil NeuroPro RTF are both designed to closely mirror breast milk, but they vary in their nutritional compositions. Here's a closer look at each component:
Protein Type: Similac 360 Total Care typically employs a whey-dominant protein blend that aids easier digestion for infants. Enfamil NeuroPro RTF, meanwhile, also offers a balanced whey-to-casein ratio but includes certain additives tailored for cognitive development.
Carbohydrate Sources: Both formulas primarily use lactose as their carbohydrate source, which is the natural sugar found in breast milk.
Fat Sources: Similac 360 includes a blend of high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil, providing a good balance of healthy fats. Enfamil NeuroPro RTF incorporates an oil blend that includes palm olein oil, coconut oil, soy oil, and high oleic sunflower oil.
Vitamins and Minerals: Both brands fortify their formulas with essential vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and vitamin D to support overall growth and development.
Key Differences
| Component | Similac 360 Total Care | Enfamil NeuroPro RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein source | Whey-dominant | Balanced whey-to-casein |
| Carbohydrate source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat source | High oleic safflower oil, soy oil, coconut oil | Palm olein oil, coconut oil, soy oil, high oleic sunflower oil |
| Prebiotics and probiotics | 2’-FL HMO | MFGM & Lactoferrin |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) levels | Enhanced DHA/ARA | High DHA content |
| Iron and calcium content | Fortified | Fortified |
| Estimated cost per ounce | $0.20 (estimated) | $0.25 (estimated) |
| Organic or non-GMO certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac 360 Total Care features 2’-FL human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), which supports immune health and gut development by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Enfamil NeuroPro RTF incorporates Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) and Lactoferrin, which are designed to support cognitive development and offer immune benefits.
Target Audience
Similac 360 Total Care is particularly suitable for babies with sensitive stomachs due to its whey-dominant protein. Enfamil NeuroPro RTF, with its focus on cognitive health, is well-suited for healthy term babies who are breastfeeding substitutes or supplements.
Alternatives to Similac 360 Total Care
- Similac Pro-Advance
- Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Earth’s Best Sensitivity
Alternatives to Enfamil NeuroPro RTF
- Enfamil Enspire
- Nutriben Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start Soothe
- Parent's Choice Advantage
- Baby’s Only Organic DHA/ARA
Potential Drawbacks
While both formulas are enriched with various nutrients, they do come with potential limitations. Similac 360 Total Care may be more expensive and less available in smaller retailers. Enfamil NeuroPro RTF tends to have palm oil, which some parents prefer to avoid due to concerns about digestion and ingredient sourcing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil NeuroPro RTF provide comprehensive nutrition for infants with unique features catering to different needs. Similac might be the better choice for those concerned about immune support, while Enfamil may be preferable for parents focused on cognitive development. Ultimately, parents should discuss with their pediatrician to tailor the best plan for their baby's nutrition.
Sources*
Buy Similac 360 Total Care Online
Buy Enfamil NeuroPro RTF 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 RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.60 g | 3.50 | Fat | 2.10 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 RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78.00 mg | 0.00 | Calcium | 0.00 | 78.00 mg |
| 42.00 mg | 0.00 | Phosphorus | 0.00 | 42.00 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 RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | -3.00 | Vitamin C | 3.00 | 12.00 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 | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | -10.00 | Vitamin D | 10.00 | 70.00 IU |