FormulaSeek - Similac Advance vs Enfamil NeuroPro RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents who are unable to breastfeed or choose to supplement. The right formula can provide essential nutrients tailored to an infant's specific needs, ensuring optimal health and development. Two popular options in the market are Similac Advance and Enfamil NeuroPro RTF. In this article, we will compare these two formulas to help parents make an informed choice.
Nutritional Composition
Similac Advance and Enfamil NeuroPro RTF offer distinct nutritional profiles designed to support infant growth. Similac Advance includes a blend of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, while Enfamil NeuroPro RTF is highlighted for its neuro-nutrient content, especially for brain development. Both formulas aim to emulate the nutritional components found in breast milk but employ slightly different ingredients to achieve their respective goals.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Advance | Enfamil NeuroPro RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | 20:80 whey-to-casein ratio | 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Safflower Oil | Palm Oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Added Prebiotics | No |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | 0.15% DHA | 0.32% DHA |
| Iron Content | 1.8 mg/100 calories | 1.8 mg/100 calories |
| Calcium Content | 78 mg/100 calories | 78 mg/100 calories |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.50 | $0.55 |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Advance boasts a unique blend of added prebiotics, which supports the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria, aiding in digestion and immune support. It is also iron-fortified to promote healthy red blood cell development. Enfamil NeuroPro RTF, on the other hand, is formulated with neuro-nutrients that include a higher concentration of DHA, promoting brain and eye development.
Target Audience
Similac Advance is well suited for infants with no specific dietary requirements, offering a close mimicry to breast milk with additional support for digestion. Enfamil NeuroPro RTF is ideal for parents focusing on enhanced neurodevelopment, potentially benefiting infants requiring concentrated DHA intake.
Alternatives to Similac Advance
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
- Kirkland Signature ProCare
- Happy Baby Infant Formula
- Perrigo Infant Formula
Alternatives to Enfamil NeuroPro RTF
- Enfamil Enspire
- Similac Pro-Advance
- Nestlé Nan Pro
- Holle Organic Infant Formula
- Plum Organics Grow Well Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
The cost of both formulas could be a significant factor for parents, with Enfamil NeuroPro RTF being slightly more expensive. For Similac Advance, certain ingredients like soy oil may raise concerns for parents opposed to soy-based products. The presence of palm oil in Enfamil NeuroPro might be a concern for parents wary of digestion issues associated with harder stools.
Conclusion
Both Similac Advance and Enfamil NeuroPro RTF provide comprehensive nutrition to support an infant's growth and developmental needs. Selecting the most suitable formula will largely depend on individual priorities such as budget, nutritional focus (e.g., brain development vs. gut health), and dietary preferences. It is essential for parents to consult with a pediatrician to discuss any concerns or specific medical conditions before making a final decision. Additionally, these price points are estimated and can vary based on location and retailer.
Sources*
Buy Similac Advance Online
Buy Enfamil NeuroPro RTF Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac Advance | +/- | Data | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.60 g | 3.50 | Fat | 2.10 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 RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45.00 mg | -33.00 | Calcium | 33.00 | 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 Advance | +/- | 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 |