FormulaSeek - Similac Advance RTF vs Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is crucial for ensuring that your baby receives all the essential nutrients needed for healthy development. With a myriad of options available in the market, the decision can often be daunting. In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at two popular infant formulas: Similac Advance Ready-to-Feed (RTF) and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF. By understanding their composition and benefits, parents can make informed decisions tailored to their baby's unique needs.
Nutritional Composition
Both Similac Advance RTF and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF are designed to provide complete nutrition for infants. However, they differ in their nutritional composition:
- Similac Advance RTF: This formula primarily consists of nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate as its protein sources. It uses lactose as the main carbohydrate source and contains a blend of oils that include safflower, sugar, and soybean for fats. It is fortified with vitamins and minerals such as calcium, DHA, and lutein.
- Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF: The formula is designed for sensitive tummies and uses partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate. It contains corn syrup solids and lactose as carbohydrate sources. Its fat blend includes palm olein, coconut, soy, high oleic sunflower oils. It is enriched with MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) and DHA to support brain development.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Advance RTF | Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey & Nonfat Milk | Partially Hydrolyzed Whey & Nonfat Milk |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Corn Syrup Solids, Lactose |
| Fat Source | Safflower Oil, Soy Oil | Palm Olein, Coconut Oil, Soy Oil |
| Prebiotics/Probiotics | Prebiotics (2'-FL HMO) | Not Present |
| Omega-3 (DHA / ARA) | Yes | Yes, with additional MFGM |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Fortified | Fortified |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approximately $0.20 | Approximately $0.25 |
| Organic/Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Advance RTF includes prebiotics derived from 2'-FL HMO to promote gut health, while Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease is designed for easier digestion with partially hydrolyzed proteins, making it ideal for babies with sensitive stomachs. Enfamil’s addition of MFGM aims to support cognitive development similarly.
Target Audience
Similac Advance is suitable for infants without specific dietary needs or digestive issues, focusing on overall growth and development. Meanwhile, Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease is particularly beneficial for infants experiencing fussiness, gas, or mild lactose sensitivity due to its gentle protein compositions.
Alternatives
Alternatives to Similac Advance RTF
- Similac Pro-Advance
- Similac Organic
- Similac Sensitive
- Earth's Best Organic Dairy
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
Alternatives to Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF
- Enfamil Gentlease
- Enfamil A.R.
- Gerber Good Start Soothe
- Parent's Choice Tender
- Earth's Best Sensitivity
Potential Drawbacks
For Similac Advance RTF, some parents may find it costly compared to powdered versions and it may not be ideal for infants sensitive to lactose despite the added prebiotics.
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease, while gentle, might not be suitable for extremely sensitive tummies as it contains lactose and palm oil which some parents prefer to avoid. Its cost might also be a limiting factor for budget-conscious families.
Conclusion
In summary, both Similac Advance RTF and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF offer distinct nutritional benefits tailored for different infant needs. Parents looking for a formula rich in prebiotics might lean towards Similac, while those needing something gentle for digestion may prefer Enfamil Gentlease. Regardless, always consult with a pediatrician to ensure the chosen formula meets your baby's specific health requirements and preferences.
Sources*
Buy Similac Advance RTF Online
Buy Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac Advance RTF | +/- | Data | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 RTF | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 mcg |
| 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 RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 |