FormulaSeek - Similac Advance RTF vs Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is crucial for a baby's growth and development, especially when breastfeeding isn't an option. Proper nutrition enhances growth, supports brain development, and builds a robust immune system. Two popular ready-to-feed (RTF) formulas on the market are Similac Advance RTF and Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF. Both cater to specific needs but serve different purposes for infant nutrition.
Nutritional Composition
Understanding the nutritional components of infant formulas is essential to choose the one that best fits your baby's needs. Both Similac Advance RTF and Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF offer a balanced distribution of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Similac Advance is primarily designed for infants from birth up to 12 months, with a focus on standard nutrition. Similac NeoSure, however, is tailored for preterm infants transitioning from hospital to home, offering additional nutrients critical for catch-up growth.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Advance RTF | Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey and Casein (20:80) | Whey and Casein (70:30) |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose and Maltodextrin |
| Fat Source | Safflower, Soy, Coconut Oil | Safflower, Soy, Coconut Oil, and MCT oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Prebiotics (GOS) | Prebiotics (GOS) |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Higher DHA, ARA | Enhanced DHA, ARA |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Standard Levels | Higher Levels |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.15 (Estimated) | $0.18 (Estimated) |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Advance RTF is enriched with prebiotics to support a robust immune system and aids in promoting digestive health. It contains a blend that supports overall brain-eye development in infants. Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF is designed with higher nutrient levels such as proteins, Vitamins, and Omega-3 levels to ensure healthy growth trajectories in premature infants.
Target Audience
Similac Advance RTF is ideal for full-term infants with no specific nutritional issues. It provides a balanced formula to support general growth and development. On the other hand, Similac NeoSure is best suited for preterm infants needing additional nutritional support once they are home from the hospital. Its higher nutrient content aligns well with the catch-up growth needed in these infants.
Alternatives to Similac Advance RTF
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start Gentle – Ready to Feed
- Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula
- Happy Baby Organics Infant Formula
- Plum Organics Grow Well Infant Formula
Alternatives to Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF
- Enfamil Enfacare
- Gerber Good Start premature Stage 2
- Similac Pro-Sensitive
- Nutramigen Hypoallergenic
- Alimentum Hypoallergenic
Potential Drawbacks
While both formulas provide excellent nutrition, Similac Advance RTF has been noted for being slightly expensive, and some parents might not favor the inclusion of palm oil. Similac NeoSure may also appear cost-prohibitive due to its specialized formulation designed for premature infants and might not be readily available in all locations.
Conclusion
Both Similac Advance RTF and Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF are excellent infant formulas, catering to different needs. Similac Advance is a reliable choice for most full-term infants, providing balanced nutrition for healthy growth. Similac NeoSure offers enhanced nutrition perfect for premature infants transitioning to life outside of the hospital. Above all, ensure you consult with a pediatrician to select the formula best aligned with your baby's unique dietary requirements.
Sources*
Buy Similac Advance RTF Online
Buy Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac Advance RTF | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.40 g | Fat | 0.10 | 5.50 g | |
| 11.20 g | 1.10 | Carbohydrate | 10.10 g | |
| 2.07 g | Protein | 0.73 | 2.80 g | |
| 0 | Linoleic Acid | 750.00 | 750.00 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 | +/- | Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78.00 mg | -27.00 | Calcium | 27.00 | 105.00 mg |
| 42.00 mg | -20.00 | Phosphorus | 20.00 | 62.00 mg |
| 6.00 mg | -3.00 | Magnesium | 3.00 | 9.00 mg |
| 1.80 mg | 0.00 | Iron | 0.00 | 1.80 mg |
| 0.75 mg | -0.45 | Zinc | 0.45 | 1.20 mg |
| 5.00 mcg | -5.00 | Manganese | 5.00 | 10.00 mcg |
| 90.00 mcg | -30.00 | Copper | 30.00 | 120.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Iodine | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.00 mcg | -0.30 | Selenium | 0.30 | 2.30 mcg |
| 24.00 mg | -9.00 | Sodium | 9.00 | 33.00 mg |
| 105.00 mg | -37.00 | Potassium | 37.00 | 142.00 mg |
| 65.00 mg | -10.00 | Chloride | 10.00 | 75.00 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 | +/- | Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300.00 IU | -50.00 | Vitamin A | 50.00 | 350.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | -10.00 | Vitamin D | 10.00 | 70.00 IU |
| 1.50 IU | -2.10 | Vitamin E | 2.10 | 3.60 IU |
| 8.00 mcg | -3.00 | Vitamin K | 3.00 | 11.00 mcg |
| 100.00 mcg | -75.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | 75.00 | 175.00 mcg |
| 150.00 mcg | 0.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 0.00 | 150.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | -40.00 | Vitamin B6 | 40.00 | 100.00 mcg |
| 0.25 mcg | -0.15 | Vitamin B12 | 0.15 | 0.40 mcg |
| 1050.00 mcg | -900.00 | Niacin | 900.00 | 1950.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | -10.00 | Folic Acid | 10.00 | 25.00 mcg |
| 450.00 mcg | -350.00 | Pantothenic Acid | 350.00 | 800.00 mcg |
| 4.40 mcg | -4.60 | Biotin | 4.60 | 9.00 mcg |
| 9.00 mg | -6.00 | Vitamin C | 6.00 | 15.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 8.00 | Choline | -8.00 | 16.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | -11.00 | Inositol | 11.00 | 35.00 mg |