FormulaSeek - Similac Alimentum vs Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare


Updated: 12/7/2024


Introduction

Choosing the right infant formula is one of the most crucial decisions parents can make to ensure their baby's health and well-being. While breastfeeding is highly recommended, various factors may necessitate the use of infant formulas, and selecting the most suitable one is essential. Among the myriad options available, Similac Alimentum and Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare stand out due to their specific features catering to different baby needs. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth comparison between these two notable formulas.

Nutritional Composition

The nutritional composition of infant formulas is pivotal in meeting the varying needs of growing infants. Similac Alimentum is designed with hypoallergenic, extensively hydrolyzed protein to help infants with food allergies or colic due to protein sensitivity. Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare, on the other hand, contains a unique blend of nutrients tailored for premature or low-birth-weight infants, supporting catch-up growth and brain development.

Key Differences

Feature Similac Alimentum Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare
Protein Source Extensively hydrolyzed casein Whey-dominant protein
Carbohydrate Source Corn syrup solids Lactose
Fat Source High oleic safflower oil, MCT oil Palm olein, soy, coconut, and high oleic sunflower oils
Prebiotics and Probiotics None Contains MFGM and prebiotics
Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels Present Higher levels
Iron and Calcium Content Standard iron content Enhanced iron content for preemies
Estimated Cost per Ounce $0.70 - $0.85 (prices may vary) $0.80 - $0.95 (prices may vary)
Organic or Non-GMO Certification Non-GMO Non-GMO

Special Features and Benefits

Similac Alimentum is formulated for infants with food allergies or colic symptoms, featuring hydrolyzed protein for easy digestion. Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare focuses on supporting the quick growth and mental development of premature infants through specialized nutrients like DHA and MFGM, which are crucial for brain development.

Target Audience

Similac Alimentum is best suited for babies with lactose sensitivity, allergies to cow's milk protein, or severe colic symptoms due to protein intolerance. Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare is tailored for premature or low-birth-weight infants requiring enhanced nutrition to support rapid growth and development.

Alternatives to Similac Alimentum

  1. Nutramigen with Enflora LGG
  2. Gerber Extensive HA
  3. EleCare Infant Formula
  4. Neocate Infant DHA/ARA
  5. PurAmino Hypoallergenic

Alternatives to Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare

  1. Similac Neosure
  2. Gerber Good Start Premature 24
  3. Enfamil Premature Formula 20 Cal
  4. Enfamil EnfaCare 22 Cal
  5. Similac Special Care 24

Potential Drawbacks

Although both formulas are beneficial, they have their limitations. Similac Alimentum is relatively pricier due to its specialized formulation, and it lacks MFGM and prebiotics, which might be beneficial for gut health. Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare, while excellent for premature babies, may not be suitable for full-term infants requiring standard nutrition.

Conclusion

Choosing between Similac Alimentum and Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare boils down to your infant's specific needs. If your baby has a food allergy or severe colic, Similac Alimentum may be the better choice. For premature or low-birth-weight infants requiring catch-up growth and developmental support, Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare is highly recommended. Always consult with your pediatrician to determine the best formula choice for your baby's unique requirements.

Sources*

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Nutrient comparison

Similac Alimentum +/- Data +/- Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare
5.54 g 0.24 Fat 5.30 g
10.20 g Carbohydrate 0.20 10.40 g
2.75 g Protein 0.05 2.80 g
800.00 mg 20.00 Linoleic Acid 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 Alimentum +/- Minerals +/- Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare
105.00 mg -15.00 Calcium 15.00 120.00 mg
75.00 mg 9.00 Phosphorus -9.00 66.00 mg
7.50 mg -0.50 Magnesium 0.50 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
8.00 mcg -7.00 Manganese 7.00 15.00 mcg
75.00 mcg -15.00 Copper 15.00 90.00 mcg
15.00 mcg -6.00 Iodine 6.00 21.00 mcg
2.00 mcg -0.80 Selenium 0.80 2.80 mcg
44.00 mg 7.00 Sodium -7.00 37.00 mg
118.00 mg 13.00 Potassium -13.00 105.00 mg
80.00 mg 2.00 Chloride -2.00 78.00 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 Alimentum +/- Vitamin +/- Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare
60.00 IU -15.00 Vitamin D 15.00 75.00 IU
3.00 IU -1.00 Vitamin E 1.00 4.00 IU
8.00 mcg -1.00 Vitamin K 1.00 9.00 mcg
60.00 mcg -120.00 Thiamin (Vit B1) 120.00 180.00 mcg
90.00 mcg -110.00 Riboflavin (Vit B2) 110.00 200.00 mcg
60.00 mcg -7.00 Vitamin B6 7.00 67.00 mcg
0.45 mcg 0.15 Vitamin B12 -0.15 0.30 mcg
1350.00 mcg 350.00 Niacin -350.00 1000.00 mcg
15.00 mcg -11.00 Folic Acid 11.00 26.00 mcg
750.00 mcg -100.00 Pantothenic Acid 100.00 850.00 mcg
4.50 mcg -1.50 Biotin 1.50 6.00 mcg
9.00 mg -7.00 Vitamin C 7.00 16.00 mg
12.00 mg -12.00 Choline 12.00 24.00 mg
5.00 mg -19.00 Inositol 19.00 24.00 mg
300.00 IU -150.00 Vitamin A 150.00 450.00 IU