FormulaSeek - Similac Advance vs Similac 360 Total Care
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Selecting the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents who may not be breastfeeding or are supplementing breast milk. The choice of formula can significantly impact an infant's growth, digestion, and overall health. Among the market's options, Similac stands out with its variety of formulations designed to cater to different nutritional needs and sensitivities. This blog post aims to critically compare two of Similac's popular offerings: Similac 360 Total Care and Similac Advance.
Nutritional Composition
The nutritional makeup of infant formula plays an essential role in mimicking breastmilk and supporting an infant's rapid development. Both Similac 360 Total Care and Similac Advance are crafted to provide complete nutrition but differ in their specific components.
Similac 360 Total Care is designed to offer a comprehensive blend akin to human milk, enriched with the brand’s HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharide) for improved immunity. Similac Advance, on the other hand, is known for its inclusion of OptiGRO™, a tailored blend of DHA, lutein, and Vitamin E geared towards brain and eye development.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac 360 Total Care | Similac Advance |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio | 40:60 whey-to-casein ratio |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Fat Source | High oleic safflower oil, soy oil | Palm olein oil, soy oil, coconut oil |
| Prebiotics & Probiotics | 2’FL HMO | None |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Standard | Standard (OptiGRO™) |
| Iron Content | 1.89 mg per 100 kcal | 1.8 mg per 100 kcal |
| Calcium Content | 78 mg per 100 kcal | 78 mg per 100 kcal |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.31 (Note: Prices are estimated) | $0.27 (Note: Prices are estimated) |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac 360 Total Care boasts the inclusion of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) which significantly contribute to immune system support, often found in breastmilk. Meanwhile, Similac Advance emphasizes its blend of OptiGRO™, targeting crucial development areas such as brain and eye health.
Target Audience
Similac 360 Total Care may be especially beneficial for infants prone to infections due to the added HMOs that support immunity. It is also suitable for babies without specific milk protein sensitivities. On the other hand, Similac Advance is versatile and widely accepted as a standard choice for infants with no particular dietary restrictions or known sensitivities.
Alternatives to Similac 360 Total Care
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula
- Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start Gentle Pro
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant Formula
Alternatives to Similac Advance
- Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start Gentle Complete
- Earth's Best Organic Sensitivity Formula
- Perrigo Pediatric Nutrition Store Brand Formula
- Parent's Choice Organic Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Similac 360 Total Care can be more expensive compared to other formulas, and its availability may be limited in certain regions. Additionally, its formulation includes soy oil, which may not be suitable for all infants. Similac Advance, although slightly more affordable, includes palm olein oil which some experts suggest might reduce bone mineralization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Similac 360 Total Care and Similac Advance offer distinct benefits tailored to the different nutritional needs of infants. While Similac 360 Total Care focuses on strengthening the immune system through HMOs, Similac Advance highlights the importance of comprehensive developmental support with OptiGRO™. We recommend parents consult their pediatricians to determine which formula best meets their infant's specific needs and preferences.
Sources*
Buy Similac Advance Online
Buy Similac 360 Total Care Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac Advance | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.60 g | Fat | 5.60 g | ||
| 10.70 g | 0.20 | Carbohydrate | 10.50 g | |
| 2.07 g | Protein | 2.07 g | ||
| 1000.00 mg | Linoleic Acid | 1000.00 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 | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 0.00 | Magnesium | 0.00 | 6.00 mg |
| 1.80 mg | 0.00 | Iron | 0.00 | 1.80 mg |
| 0.75 mg | 0.00 | Zinc | 0.00 | 0.75 mg |
| 5.00 mcg | 0.00 | Manganese | 0.00 | 5.00 mcg |
| 90.00 mcg | 0.00 | Copper | 0.00 | 90.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Iodine | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.00 mcg | 0.00 | Selenium | 0.00 | 2.00 mcg |
| 24.00 mg | 0.00 | Sodium | 0.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 105.00 mg | 0.00 | Potassium | 0.00 | 105.00 mg |
| 65.00 mg | 0.00 | Chloride | 0.00 | 65.00 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 | +/- | Similac 360 Total Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.50 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin E | 0.00 | 1.50 IU |
| 8.00 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin K | 0.00 | 8.00 mcg |
| 100.00 mcg | 0.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | 0.00 | 100.00 mcg |
| 150.00 mcg | 0.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 0.00 | 150.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin B6 | 0.00 | 60.00 mcg |
| 0.25 mcg | 0.00 | Vitamin B12 | 0.00 | 0.25 mcg |
| 1050.00 mcg | 0.00 | Niacin | 0.00 | 1050.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Folic Acid | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 450.00 mcg | 0.00 | Pantothenic Acid | 0.00 | 450.00 mcg |
| 4.40 mcg | 0.00 | Biotin | 0.00 | 4.40 mcg |
| 9.00 mg | 0.00 | Vitamin C | 0.00 | 9.00 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 | 0.00 | Vitamin D | 0.00 | 60.00 IU |