FormulaSeek - Similac Alimentum vs Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is crucial for the healthy development of a baby, especially during the first few months when nutrition is vital. With a range of options available on the market, parents often face dilemmas about which formula suits their child's specific needs. In this blog post, we will explore two popular infant formulas: Similac Alimentum and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease. These formulas are tailored for infants with sensitive stomachs and nutritional needs that aren't met by traditional formulas.
Nutritional Composition
Nutritional composition is a key consideration when selecting an infant formula. Both Similac Alimentum and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease offer a blend of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, each designed to address specific dietary needs.
Similac Alimentum: This formula uses extensively hydrolyzed casein protein, which is highly broken down to be gentle on sensitive stomachs. Its carbohydrate source is mainly corn maltodextrin, and its fats are derived primarily from medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) and high oleic safflower oil. Vitamins and minerals are ample to meet your baby's growth needs, with no added sugars.
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease: This formula features partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk with a whey-to-casein ratio that mirrors breast milk. It includes lactose as its primary carbohydrate source, and a blend of fats, including palm oil, coconut oil, soy oil, and high oleic sunflower oil. It also includes DHA and ARA, which are omega-3 fatty acids important for brain and eye development.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Alimentum | Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Extensively hydrolyzed casein | Partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk (whey-to-casein similar to breast milk) |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn maltodextrin | Lactose |
| Fat Source | MCT, high oleic safflower oil | Palm olein, coconut oil, soy oil, high oleic sunflower oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | Prebiotic fibers | None |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Included | Included (neuro-support blend) |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Standard levels | Enhanced levels |
| Estimated Cost Per Ounce | Approx. $0.44 | Approx. $0.60 |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Alimentum is designed for babies with severe food allergies or lactose intolerance; its primary benefit is the extensively hydrolyzed protein that is easy to digest. Additionally, it is lactose-free and fortified with prebiotic fibers that aid gut health. Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease, on the other hand, focuses on supporting brain development with its neuro-support blend, providing DHA and other essential nutrients similar to those found in breast milk.
Target Audience
Similac Alimentum is particularly beneficial for infants with protein sensitivities, lactose intolerance, or severe food allergies. Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease is ideal for babies with mild lactose sensitivity and gas issues, and those whose caregivers focus on cognitive and neurological development.
Alternatives
Similac Alimentum Alternatives
1. Nutramigen with Enflora LGG
2. Gerber Extensive HA
3. Similac Pro-Total Comfort
4. Enfamil Nutramigen
5. Neocate Infant DHA/ARA
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Alternatives
1. Similac Pro-Sensitive
2. Earth's Best Organic Gentle
3. Gerber Good Start Gentle
4. Parent's Choice Gentle
5. Happy Baby Organic Sensitive
Potential Drawbacks
One potential drawback of Similac Alimentum is its cost; being specially designed for sensitive infants makes it more expensive. The taste is also often described as less palatable compared to other formulas. For Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease, its partial lactose content might not suit infants with severe lactose intolerance. Its use of palm oil as a fat source is also contentious for some parents.
Conclusion
Both Similac Alimentum and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease stand out for their unique benefits tailored to infants with special dietary needs. Alimentum is best suited for babies with severe allergies or intolerances, whereas Gentlease is more appropriate for those needing digestive comfort and enhanced cognitive support. It's crucial for parents to consult with pediatricians to choose the most suitable formula for their baby's health and development.
Sources*
Buy Similac Alimentum Online
Buy Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac Alimentum | +/- | Data | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.54 g | 0.24 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.20 g | Carbohydrate | 0.60 | 10.80 g | |
| 2.75 g | 0.45 | Protein | 2.30 g | |
| 800.00 mg | 20.00 | Linoleic Acid | 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 Alimentum | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105.00 mg | 23.00 | Calcium | -23.00 | 82.00 mg |
| 75.00 mg | 29.00 | Phosphorus | -29.00 | 46.00 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 | 0.00 | Copper | 0.00 | 75.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Iodine | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.00 mcg | -0.80 | Selenium | 0.80 | 2.80 mg |
| 44.00 mg | 4.00 | Sodium | -4.00 | 40.00 mg |
| 118.00 mg | 10.00 | Potassium | -10.00 | 108.00 mg |
| 80.00 mg | 17.00 | Chloride | -17.00 | 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 Alimentum | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin D | 0.00 | 60.00 IU |
| 3.00 IU | 1.00 | Vitamin E | -1.00 | 2.00 IU |
| 8.00 mcg | -1.00 | Vitamin K | 1.00 | 9.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | -20.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | 20.00 | 80.00 mcg |
| 90.00 mcg | -50.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 50.00 | 140.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | 54.00 | Vitamin B6 | -54.00 | 6.00 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 | -1.00 | Folic Acid | 1.00 | 16.00 mcg |
| 750.00 mcg | 250.00 | Pantothenic Acid | -250.00 | 500.00 mcg |
| 4.50 mcg | 1.50 | Biotin | -1.50 | 3.00 mcg |
| 9.00 mg | -3.00 | Vitamin C | 3.00 | 12.00 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 | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |