FormulaSeek - Similac Advance RTF vs Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease


Updated: 12/7/2024


Introduction

Choosing the right infant formula is crucial as it directly impacts a baby's health and development. With numerous options available in the market, it’s essential to scrutinize ingredients, nutritional benefits, and cost. Two popular formulas are Similac Advance Ready-to-Feed (RTF) and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease. Both offer unique nutritional profiles that cater to specific needs of infants. This article compares these products to help parents make an informed decision.

Nutritional Composition

Similac Advance RTF and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease both provide essential nutrients vital for infant growth. However, they vary significantly in sources and specialized components. Similac Advance primarily uses a blend of whey and casein proteins, along with lactose as its primary carbohydrate source. In contrast, Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease includes a partially hydrolyzed milk protein blend designed for easier digestion, with lactose and corn syrup solids as carbohydrate sources.

Key Differences

Category Similac Advance RTF Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
Protein Source Whey and casein in a 60:40 ratio Partially hydrolyzed whey protein
Carbohydrate Source Lactose Lactose, corn syrup solids
Fat Source Safflower oil, soy oil and coconut oil Palm olein oil
Prebiotics and Probiotics 2’-FL HMO Prebiotic None
Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Available Available; slightly higher DHA content
Iron and Calcium Content Higher iron content Higher calcium content
Estimated Cost per Ounce $0.30 - $0.40 (Estimate) $0.50 - $0.60 (Estimate)
Organic/Non-GMO Certification Non-GMO Non-GMO

Special Features and Benefits

Similac Advance RTF includes a unique prebiotic (2’-FL HMO) that supports the baby's immune system, promoting gut health. Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease, on the other hand, is formulated specifically for babies with sensitive tummies, thanks to its partially hydrolyzed proteins making it easier to digest compared to regular milk protein formulas. Furthermore, it features enhanced levels of DHA—an omega-3 fatty acid important for brain development.

Target Audience

Similac Advance RTF is generally suitable for healthy term infants without specific dietary sensitivities. It may also be beneficial for babies whose families want a formula that includes prebiotics for immune support. Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease is ideal for infants who show signs of sensitive digestion, such as excessive crying, fussiness, or gas, as it targets easier digestion.

Alternatives to Similac Advance RTF

1. Similac Pro-Advance
2. Gerber Good Start Gentle
3. Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
4. Plum Organics Grow Well Organic Infant Formula
5. Parent’s Choice Advantage Infant Formula

Alternatives to Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease

1. Enfamil Gentlease
2. Gerber Good Start SoothePro
3. Similac Total Comfort
4. Aptamil ProExpert HA Preterm
5. Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula Sensitive

Potential Drawbacks

Similac Advance RTF may pose a higher cost and availability limitation. Some parents may also be concerned about the presence of certain oils such as soy. Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease, while gentler on sensitive tummies, comes with a higher price tag and may not be readily available in all stores. Its use of palm olein oil is sometimes criticized by parents who prefer avoiding tropical oils.

Conclusion

In choosing between Similac Advance RTF and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease, consider your infant’s specific dietary needs, any health conditions, and your budget. Similac Advance RTF is a robust option for overall health and immune support, while Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease is excellent for problems related to sensitive digestion. Consulting with a pediatrician will ensure the best selection tailored to your baby's individual needs.

Sources*

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Nutrient comparison

Similac Advance RTF +/- Data +/- Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
5.40 g 0.10 Fat 5.30 g
11.20 g 0.40 Carbohydrate 10.80 g
2.07 g Protein 0.23 2.30 g
0 Linoleic Acid 780.00 780.00 mg

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 RTF +/- Minerals +/- Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
78.00 mg -4.00 Calcium 4.00 82.00 mg
42.00 mg -4.00 Phosphorus 4.00 46.00 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 mg
24.00 mg -16.00 Sodium 16.00 40.00 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 RTF +/- Vitamin +/- Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
300.00 IU 0.00 Vitamin A 0.00 300.00 IU
60.00 IU 0.00 Vitamin D 0.00 60.00 IU
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 54.00 Vitamin B6 -54.00 6.00 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