FormulaSeek - Similac Advance RTF vs Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is crucial for a baby's health and development. With various options available, parents often face a challenging decision. Two noteworthy options are Similac Advance RTF and Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic. Similac Advance RTF is known for its balanced nutrition that mirrors breast milk, while Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic caters to babies with severe food allergies or sensitivities. This blog post will provide a comprehensive comparison of these two popular infant formulas.
Nutritional Composition
Similac Advance Ready-to-Feed (RTF) formula includes a blend of ingredients intended to support overall growth and development. It offers a protein blend that mimics the whey and casein ratio found in breast milk, primarily lactose as its carbohydrate source, and a fat source that includes palm oil. It is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals to promote bone strength and a healthy immune system.
Conversely, Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic is designed for infants with severe allergies. The protein in PurAmino is hydrolyzed, making it easier to digest. Its carbohydrate source often includes corn syrup solids, and its fat source avoids palm oil in favor of medium-chain triglycerides, making it suitable for sensitive tummies. Enfamil PurAmino is fortified with vitamins and minerals similar to Similac Advance RTF.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Advance RTF | Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey and Casein | Hydrolyzed Casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Corn Syrup Solids |
| Fat Source | Palm Olein, Soy, Coconut, High Oleic Saflower Oils | Medium Chain Triglycerides, Soy Oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Prebiotics (Galacto-oligosaccharides) | None |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Omega-3 DHA, Omega-6 ARA | Omega-3 DHA, Omega-6 ARA |
| Iron and Calcium Content | High Iron and Calcium | High Iron and Calcium |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.20 (Estimated) | $1.00 (Estimated) |
| Certification | Non-GMO | Hypoallergenic |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Advance RTF is designed to closely mimic the nutritional profile of breast milk. It includes prebiotics to aid in gut health and has a broad range of vitamins and minerals for overall development. It also promotes immune health and cognitive development with added DHA and ARA.
Enfamil PurAmino, on the other hand, stands out due to its hypoallergenic formulation. This makes it an excellent choice for babies with severe allergies or protein sensitivities. It offers complete nutrition through systematically broken-down protein components, ensuring that infants with the highest sensitivity can digest it easily.
Target Audience
Similac Advance RTF is suitable for most infants as it is designed to mimic breast milk and provide comprehensive nutrition. It may be particularly beneficial for infants without specific allergies or intolerances.
Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic is targeted towards infants with severe food allergies, intolerances, or severe protein sensitivities. It is also applicable for babies diagnosed with conditions such as eosinophilic esophagitis and may be beneficial for managing severe eczema or colic due to cow’s milk protein allergy.
Alternatives
Alternatives to Similac Advance RTF
- Similac Pro-Advance Non-GMO
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
- Plum Organics Grow Well Infant Formula
Alternatives to Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic
- Neocate Syneo Infant Formula
- Similac Alimentum
- Nutramigen with Enflora LGG
- Gerber Extensive HA
- EleCare Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Similac Advance RTF may not be suitable for babies with lactose sensitivity or allergies. Additionally, the presence of palm oil is sometimes controversial due to potential digestive issues in some infants. Finally, while competitively priced, the ready-to-feed option is generally more costly compared to powder forms.
Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic, while excellent for sensitive babies, is among the most expensive formula options on the market. The cost may be a barrier for long-term use. Additionally, availability may be an issue, as not all stores stock it regularly.
Conclusion
Both Similac Advance RTF and Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic offer distinct advantages based on an infant's specific needs. Similac is a great choice for generally healthy babies without special dietary requirements and provides well-rounded nutrition resembling breast milk. Conversely, Enfamil PurAmino is tailored for those with severe sensitivities or food allergies, offering a highly specialized formula option. In all cases, consulting with a pediatrician before deciding on an infant formula is essential to ensure the healthiest choice for the baby's development and well-being.
Sources*
Buy Similac Advance RTF Online
Buy Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac Advance RTF | +/- | Data | +/- | Enfamil PurAmino Hypoallergenic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.40 g | 0.10 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 11.20 g | 0.60 | Carbohydrate | 10.60 g | |
| 2.07 g | Protein | 0.73 | 2.80 g | |
| 0 | Linoleic Acid | 860.00 | 860.00 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 PurAmino Hypoallergenic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78.00 mg | -38.00 | Calcium | 38.00 | 116.00 mg |
| 42.00 mg | -22.00 | Phosphorus | 22.00 | 64.00 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 | -20.00 | Manganese | 20.00 | 25.00 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 | -23.00 | Sodium | 23.00 | 47.00 mg |
| 105.00 mg | -5.00 | Potassium | 5.00 | 110.00 mg |
| 65.00 mg | -21.00 | Chloride | 21.00 | 86.00 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 PurAmino Hypoallergenic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 60.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | -60.00 | 90.00 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 |