FormulaSeek - Similac Advance vs Enfamil NeuroPro
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents who rely on formula feeding to nourish their babies. With numerous options available, understanding the differences between various formulas is essential to cater to the specific needs of an infant. Two popular choices among parents are Similac Advance and Enfamil NeuroPro. Both of these formulas are designed to support the healthy growth and development of infants, but they do so in different ways. This blog post will provide a comprehensive comparison between Similac Advance and Enfamil NeuroPro to help parents make informed decisions.
Nutritional Composition
Both Similac Advance and Enfamil NeuroPro are formulated to provide balanced nutrition for infants but differ in their nutritional components. Key elements include protein type, carbohydrate sources, fat sources, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Similac Advance uses a blend of whey and casein proteins with a higher proportion of whey to mimic the protein composition found in breast milk. Its primary carbohydrate source is lactose. The fat blend in Similac Advance includes palm olein oil, soy oil, coconut oil, and high-oleic safflower oil. Essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, calcium, and iron, are present to support bone development and cognitive function.
Enfamil NeuroPro also utilizes a blend of whey and casein proteins but emphasizes the inclusion of MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane), which is believed to support cognitive development. Its carbohydrate source is primarily lactose. The fat components include a blend of vegetable oils such as palm olein, coconut, soy, and high oleic sunflower oils. Enfamil NeuroPro contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, calcium, and iron.
Key Differences
| Category | Similac Advance | Enfamil NeuroPro |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey-to-casein ratio of 48:52 | Whey-to-casein ratio of 60:40 with MFGM added |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Palm olein, soy, coconut, high-oleic safflower oils | Palm olein, coconut, soy, high oleic sunflower oils |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | 2’-FL HMO prebiotic, no probiotics | No prebiotics, no probiotics |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Includes DHA and ARA | Includes DHA and ARA |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Appropriate for infant needs | Appropriate for infant needs |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approximately $0.15 | Approximately $0.17 |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Advance includes 2’-FL HMO prebiotic, which supports the immune system and gut health by nourishing beneficial gut bacteria. Enfamil NeuroPro’s standout feature is the inclusion of MFGM, which has been associated with improved cognitive development.
Target Audience
Similac Advance may be an ideal choice for infants who could benefit from immune system support due to its inclusion of 2’-FL HMO prebiotics. Conversely, Enfamil NeuroPro may appeal to parents focused on enhancing cognitive development because of the MFGM component.
Alternatives to Similac Advance
1. Gerber Good Start Gentle
2. Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula
3. Enfamil Infant
4. Parent's Choice Non-GMO Infant Formula
5. Happy Baby Organic Formula
Alternatives to Enfamil NeuroPro
1. Similac Pro-Advance
2. Gerber Good Start Soothe
3. Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula with Iron
4. Happy Baby Organic Sensitive Formula
5. Parent's Choice Advantage Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Similac Advance: Palm olein oil may not be well-tolerated by some infants, and it might be regarded as less environmentally friendly.
Enfamil NeuroPro: It is generally more expensive compared to other formulas, potentially affecting budget-conscious parents.
Conclusion
In summary, both Similac Advance and Enfamil NeuroPro provide important nutrients essential for infant growth and development. Similac Advance stands out for its immune support benefits, while Enfamil NeuroPro offers enhanced cognitive support features. When selecting an infant formula, consider your baby’s unique nutritional needs and consult with a pediatrician to make the best choice.
Note: Prices are estimated and can vary by location and retailer.
Sources*
Buy Similac Advance Online
Buy Enfamil NeuroPro Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac Advance | +/- | Data | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.60 g | 0.30 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.70 g | Carbohydrate | 0.60 | 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 Advance | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45.00 mg | -33.00 | Calcium | 33.00 | 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 Advance | +/- | 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 |