FormulaSeek - Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF vs Enfamil Nutramigen
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
When it comes to infant nutrition, few decisions carry as much weight as selecting the right formula for your baby. For parents of infants who cannot be breastfed or require supplementation, choosing a formula that meets nutritional needs, dietary preferences, and any sensitivities is crucial. Today, we will examine two well-known options: Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF and Enfamil Nutramigen. Both formulas are designed to cater to infants with specific dietary requirements but differ in their approach and composition.
Nutritional Composition
The nutritional profile of infant formulas can vary, impacting factors like digestion, growth, and overall health. Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF is tailored for babies with lactose sensitivity; it is lactose-free and uses a corn syrup solids-based carbohydrate source. It contains proteins in a ready-to-feed liquid form. Enfamil Nutramigen, on the other hand, is known for its extensively hydrolyzed protein – ideal for infants with allergies or sensitivities – and uses a corn syrup solids and modified corn starch carbohydrate base. Both formulas include essential vitamins and minerals, but there are differences in how they achieve balanced nutrition.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF | Enfamil Nutramigen |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey protein isolate | Extensively hydrolyzed casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn syrup solids | Corn syrup solids, modified corn starch |
| Fat Source | High oleic safflower oil, soy oil, coconut oil | Palm olein, soy oil, coconut oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | 2'-FL HMO prebiotic | Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG probiotic |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Standard levels | Higher content |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Standard content of both | Enhanced content of both |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approximately $0.35 | Approximately $0.50 |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF offers a convenient ready-to-feed formula that caters especially to lactose-sensitive infants. It includes the prebiotic 2'-FL HMO for advancing immune system functioning close to breast milk. Enfamil Nutramigen is designed to address cow's milk protein allergy with its extensively hydrolyzed formula, including the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG to cultivate healthy gut flora. Its concentrated DHA and ARA levels support brain and eye development.
Target Audience
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF best suits infants who display signs of lactose sensitivity or have trouble digesting standard formulas. Mothers seeking easy feeding solutions may also find its ready-to-feed format appealing. Enfamil Nutramigen, however, targets infants with cow's milk protein allergies or more severe digestive issues, thanks to its extensive breakdown of proteins and probiotic inclusion.
Alternatives
Alternatives to Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF
- Similac Alimentum
- Gerber Good Start SoothePro
- Earth's Best Sensitivity
- Happy Baby Sensitive
- Parent's Choice Sensitivity
Alternatives to Enfamil Nutramigen
- Enfamil PurAmino
- Similac Alimentum
- Gerber Extensive HA
- EleCare
- Neocate Infant DHA/ARA
Potential Drawbacks
Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF may present a noticeable challenge due to its higher cost compared to standard formulas. Additionally, the use of corn syrup solids as a primary carbohydrate source is sometimes debated among parents concerned about sugar content.
Enfamil Nutramigen's formula is often deemed expensive and might not be readily available at all retail outlets. Some parents express concern over the inclusion of palm olein oil, which can impact calcium absorption.
Conclusion
In choosing between Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF and Enfamil Nutramigen, parents should consider their baby’s specific health needs. Similac stands out for lactose-sensitive infants and convenient feeding, while Enfamil Nutramigen is particularly potent for infants with protein allergies. Above all, consulting with a pediatrician is advised to ensure your choice provides the right nutritional support tailored to your baby’s unique requirements.
Sources*
Buy Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF Online
Buy Enfamil Nutramigen Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTF | +/- | Data | +/- | Enfamil Nutramigen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.40 g | 0.10 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.90 g | 0.60 | Carbohydrate | 10.30 g | |
| 2.10 g | Protein | 0.70 | 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 Sensitive RTF | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Enfamil Nutramigen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84.00 mg | -10.00 | Calcium | 10.00 | 94.00 mg |
| 56.00 mg | 4.00 | Phosphorus | -4.00 | 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 |
| 30.00 mg | -17.00 | Sodium | 17.00 | 47.00 mg |
| 107.00 mg | -3.00 | Potassium | 3.00 | 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 Sensitive RTF | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Enfamil Nutramigen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24.00 mg | Inositol | |||
| 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 mg |
| 9.00 mg | -3.00 | Vitamin C | 3.00 | 12.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 0.00 | Choline | 0.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin D | 0.00 | 60.00 IU |