FormulaSeek - Similac Advance vs Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is an essential decision for many parents who either need or choose to supplement breastfeeding. Proper nutrition during infancy is crucial as it lays the foundation for a child's growth and development. In this post, we explore two popular infant formulas: Similac Advance and Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare. Both products are designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants, but they differ in composition and features.
Nutritional Composition
Similac Advance and Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare offer distinct nutritional profiles designed to support infants' growth. Similac Advance contains a blend of whey and casein proteins, carbohydrates from lactose, and fat sources like palm olein oil. It also includes essential vitamins and minerals.
Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare, on the other hand, is tailored for infants who need extra support, often recommended for infants born prematurely. It contains MFGM and DHA, components associated with brain development, along with whey protein, lactose, a blend of oils, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Advance | Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey:Casein Ratio | Whey Protein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Palm Olein Oil | Blend of Oils |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Prebiotics | None explicitly |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Included | Higher DHA for brain development |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Standard | Enhanced for growth support |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.80* | $0.90* |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
*Prices are estimated and may vary based on location and retailer.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Advance boasts an OptiGRO blend, a proprietary mix of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E, designed to promote brain and eye development. It also contains prebiotics, which support digestive health.
Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare is enriched with additional levels of DHA and contains MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), factors that may support cognitive development, especially beneficial for preterm infants reaching their developmental milestones.
Target Audience
Similac Advance is well-suited for use by full-term infants without any significant dietary needs or restrictions. It's suitable for parents looking for a formula that supports brain and eye development through its OptiGRO blend.
Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare is particularly beneficial for infants born prematurely. The enhanced nutritional profile supports catch-up growth post-preterm birth, making it ideal for babies who require more nutrients than standard formulas provide.
Alternatives
Similac Advance Alternatives
- Similac Pro-Advance
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Parent's Choice Advantage
Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare Alternatives
- Enfamil Enfacare Premature Baby Formula
- Similac NeoSure
- Gerber Good Start Premature 24
- Similac Pro-Sensitive
- Earth's Best Organic Sensitivity
Potential Drawbacks
For Similac Advance, some parents might be concerned about the presence of palm olein oil, which can affect calcium absorption. Additionally, some users report issues with gas and fussiness.
Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare can be more expensive than standard formulas, and it may not be necessary for all infants, which could lead to overnutrition in full-term babies. Availability can also be an issue, as specialized formulas might not be as widely stocked.
Conclusion
Choosing between Similac Advance and Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare depends largely on your infant's specific needs and any recommendations from your pediatrician. Similac Advance is excellent for general nutritional needs, while Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare is optimal for infants requiring enhanced nutritional support, especially those born preterm. Consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and confirm that the choice fits your baby’s health requirements.
Sources*
Buy Similac Advance Online
Buy Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac Advance | +/- | Data | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.60 g | 0.30 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.70 g | 0.30 | 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 Advance | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45.00 mg | -75.00 | Calcium | 75.00 | 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 Advance | +/- | 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 |