FormulaSeek - Similac 360 Total Care vs Enfamil Nutramigen RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a critical decision for many parents and caregivers. Since every baby is unique, selecting a formula that meets their nutritional needs and suits their digestion can greatly impact their growth and well-being. Today, we will compare two popular infant formulas: Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Nutramigen RTF. Both are designed to meet the vital nutritional needs of infants, but they each boast unique characteristics tailored for different needs. Understanding the composition and benefits of these formulas will aid in making a more informed choice for your baby.
Nutritional Composition
When selecting an infant formula, nutrition is paramount. Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Nutramigen RTF differ in their nutritional offerings, reflecting their specific purposes and target audiences. Let's explore these components:
Similac 360 Total Care provides a balanced nutritional profile aimed at mimicking breast milk as closely as possible. It features a combination of whey and casein proteins, with lactose as its primary carbohydrate source. This formula relies on palm olein oil, coconut oil, and safflower oil for fats, and it is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals necessary for infant growth.
Enfamil Nutramigen RTF is engineered for infants with cow’s milk protein allergies and those requiring easy digestion. It includes extensively hydrolyzed casein protein, facilitating easier digestion. The carbohydrate component is mainly corn syrup, and glycer provides fat sourced from palm olein, coconut, and soy oils. Additional nutrients include a robust composition of vitamins and minerals.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac 360 Total Care | Enfamil Nutramigen RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey and Casein | Hydrolyzed Casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Corn Syrup Solids |
| Fat Source | Palm Olein, Coconut, Safflower Oils | Palm Olein, Coconut, Soy Oils |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Prebiotics (2'-FL HMO) | None |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Included | Included |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Enhanced | Standard |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.22* | $0.70* |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
*Prices are estimated and may vary based on retailer and location.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac 360 Total Care includes a special blend of prebiotics, known as 2'-FL HMO, which is significant for gut health and enhancing the immune system. This formula is designed for easy digestion and supports multifaceted infant development including brain and eye health with its DHA/ARA levels.
Enfamil Nutramigen RTF features extensively hydrolyzed protein, which is beneficial for infants who suffer from cow’s milk protein allergies or who have difficulty processing regular formula proteins. It’s designed to reduce the possibility of allergic reactions and colic symptoms.
Target Audience
Similac 360 Total Care is ideal for most healthy infants as it closely resembles the balanced nutrition found in breast milk. It's particularly suitable for babies without any specific protein or lactose sensitivities.
Enfamil Nutramigen RTF caters to infants who have cow's milk protein allergies or who display sensitivity to traditional formulas. It’s an excellent choice for infants prone to colic or digestive distress due to milk protein intolerance.
Alternatives to Similac 360 Total Care
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro
- Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organics Formula
- Parent’s Choice Infant Formula
Alternatives to Enfamil Nutramigen RTF
- Similac Alimentum
- Nutricia Neocate
- Gerber Extensive HA
- Enfamil ProSobee (Soy Formula)
- Bellamy's Organic Step 1 Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Similac 360 Total Care: Despite its well-rounded formulation, its cost could be prohibitive for some families. Additionally, the presence of palm olein oil is sometimes debated in terms of its digestibility and potential effects on bone development.
Enfamil Nutramigen RTF: This formula is relatively expensive compared to standard formulas, making it potentially inaccessible for price-conscious families. Furthermore, its taste and smell are often cited as drawbacks by parents, though they are not directly related to the formula's efficacy.
Conclusion
When considering Similac 360 Total Care versus Enfamil Nutramigen RTF, it's clear that each formula has been designed with its own set of strengths, catering to different infant needs. Similac 360 Total Care serves as a well-rounded choice for most infants seeking nutrient balance and easy digestion akin to breast milk. On the other hand, Enfamil Nutramigen RTF shines in its role as a hypoallergenic option for infants with specific protein sensitivities. As always, it's crucial to consult with a pediatrician before selecting or changing an infant’s formula to ensure it aligns with their health requirements and nutritional needs.
Sources*
Buy Similac 360 Total Care Online
Buy Enfamil Nutramigen RTF Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
Start here
Nutrient comparison
| Similac 360 Total Care | +/- | Data | +/- | Enfamil Nutramigen RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.60 g | 0.30 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.50 g | 0.20 | Carbohydrate | 10.30 g | |
| 2.07 g | Protein | 0.73 | 2.80 g | |
| 1000.00 mg | 140.00 | Linoleic Acid | 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.
| Similac 360 Total Care | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Enfamil Nutramigen RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78.00 mg | -16.00 | Calcium | 16.00 | 94.00 mg |
| 42.00 mg | -10.00 | Phosphorus | 10.00 | 52.00 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 | -20.00 | Manganese | 20.00 | 25.00 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 | -23.00 | Sodium | 23.00 | 47.00 mg |
| 105.00 mg | -5.00 | Potassium | 5.00 | 110.00 mg |
| 65.00 mg | -21.00 | Chloride | 21.00 | 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.
| Similac 360 Total Care | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Enfamil Nutramigen 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 | 60.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | -60.00 | 90.00 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 | 7.00 | Inositol | -7.00 | 17.00 mg |
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | 10.00 | Vitamin D | -10.00 | 50.00 IU |