FormulaSeek - Similac Advance RTF vs Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a critical decision for many parents as it directly impacts their baby's nutrition and development. While breastfeeding is often recommended, many families rely on infant formulas due to various reasons such as medical conditions, lifestyle, or personal choice. This blog post compares two popular infant formulas: Similac Advance Ready-to-Feed (RTF) and Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula. Understanding the differences between these two options can aid parents in making an informed decision tailored to their baby's specific needs.
Nutritional Composition
Similac Advance RTF and Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formulas both aim to offer comprehensive nutrition to infants, but their compositions differ in significant ways. Similac Advance RTF is known for its blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E - nutrients that support brain and eye development. It uses a whey-to-casein ratio similar to that found in breast milk. Enfamil Sensitive, on the other hand, is designed for infants with lactose sensitivity and features partially hydrolyzed proteins and reduced lactose levels, aiming to minimize digestive discomfort.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Advance RTF | Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source (Whey-to-Casein Ratio) | 20% Whey, 80% Casein | 60% Whey, 40% Casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Partially Hydrolyzed Lactose |
| Fat Source | Safflower Oil, Soy Oil | Palm Olein, Coconut Oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) | No added prebiotics or probiotics |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | 0.15% DHA | 0.32% DHA |
| Iron and Calcium Content | 1.8mg Iron / 78mg Calcium per serving | 1.9mg Iron / 71mg Calcium per serving |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approx. $0.40 | Approx. $0.45 |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Advance RTF includes an enhanced blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E, closely mimicking the nutrition found in breast milk, which supports cognitive development. Its formulation also includes prebiotics that promote gut health. Enfamil Sensitive is specifically designed to cater to babies with sensitivity to lactose, using partially hydrolyzed proteins for easier digestion.
Target Audience
Similac Advance RTF is typically suitable for healthy infants without specific dietary sensitivities, providing a balanced nutritional profile for growth and development. Enfamil Sensitive is best for babies that experience fussiness or gas due to lactose sensitivity, offering a gentle alternative that lessens digestive discomfort.
Similac Advance RTF Alternatives
- Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Parent's Choice Infant Formula
Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula Alternatives
- Similac Sensitive Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start SoothePro
- Earth's Best Sensitivity Infant Formula
- Parent's Choice Sensitivity Formula
- Up & Up Sensitivity Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Similac Advance RTF can be more costly due to its ready-to-feed convenience and has ingredients like soy oil that some parents might be cautious about. Enfamil Sensitive's primary drawback is its higher price point compared to regular formulas and the lack of prebiotic or probiotic additives that some parents prefer for digestive health.
Conclusion
Both Similac Advance RTF and Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formulas offer unique advantages tailored to different needs. Similac Advance RTF provides balanced nutrition with additional cognitive benefits, ideal for most infants. In contrast, Enfamil Sensitive caters to those with lactose sensitivity, reducing digestive issues. Ultimately, parents should evaluate their baby's specific needs and consult with a pediatrician to decide which formula to choose.
Sources*
Buy Similac Advance RTF Online
Buy Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac Advance RTF | +/- | Data | +/- | Enfamil Sensitive Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.40 g | 0.10 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 11.20 g | 0.30 | Carbohydrate | 10.90 g | |
| 2.07 g | Protein | 0.13 | 2.20 g | |
| 0 | Linoleic Acid | 0 |
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 Sensitive Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78.00 mg | -10.00 | Calcium | 10.00 | 88.00 mg |
| 42.00 mg | -17.00 | Phosphorus | 17.00 | 59.00 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 | -9.00 | Sodium | 9.00 | 33.00 mg |
| 105.00 mg | -5.00 | Potassium | 5.00 | 110.00 mg |
| 65.00 mg | -2.00 | Chloride | 2.00 | 67.00 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 Sensitive Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | -10.00 | Vitamin D | 10.00 | 70.00 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 mcg |