FormulaSeek - Similac Alimentum vs Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents, as it directly affects the nutritional well-being and development of their baby. For some parents, breastfeeding is not an option, and infant formula becomes a lifeline. Among the many options available, Similac Alimentum and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF are popular choices, each catering to different dietary needs and preferences. In this blog post, we'll explore these two formulas in detail to help you make an informed decision.
Nutritional Composition
Similac Alimentum and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF are formulated to provide essential nutrients necessary for a baby's growth and development, but they do so with varying approaches.
Similac Alimentum is a hypoallergenic formula designed for infants with colic symptoms due to protein sensitivity. It features a hydrolyzed protein formula, which breaks down the protein into smaller parts, making it easier to digest. The carbohydrate source is predominantly corn maltodextrin, and the fat profile includes medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) for easy absorption. This formula also includes a range of vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, and vitamin D.
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF focuses on easing fussiness and gas in infants. It contains partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate, making it gentle on the stomach. Lactose is its primary carbohydrate source, and the fat content utilizes a blend of vegetable oils, including palm olein oil. It also contains essential nutrients like DHA and ARA to support brain development, along with a comprehensive vitamin and mineral profile.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Similac Alimentum | Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Hydrolyzed casein | Partially hydrolyzed whey and casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn maltodextrin | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Coconut oil, safflower oil, soy oil | Palm olein oil, coconut oil, soy oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | N/A | N/A |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) | Includes DHA and ARA | Includes DHA and ARA |
| Iron and Calcium Content | Standard levels | Standard levels |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.50 (Estimated) | $0.30 (Estimated) |
| Organic or Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Alimentum's key benefit is its hypoallergenic formula, perfect for babies with sensitive tummies. The hydrolyzed protein helps reduce colic symptoms caused by protein sensitivity.
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF is tailored for infants facing fussiness and gas. Its partially hydrolyzed protein makes it easier to digest while providing crucial nutrients for brain development, enhancing infant neural growth.
Target Audience
Similac Alimentum is ideal for babies who have allergies or need a hypoallergenic formula due to sensitivity towards standard formulas. It benefits infants with colic symptoms and digestive discomfort.
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF suits infants who exhibit fussiness, gas, or digestive disturbances due to difficulty digesting regular formula. It is designed for babies who require a gentle formula aiding digestive relief.
Alternatives
Alternatives to Similac Alimentum
- Gerber Extensive HA
- Nutramigen with Enflora LGG
- Enfamil PurAmino
- EleCare Infant
- HiPP HA Combiotik
Alternatives to Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF
- Similac Pro-Total Comfort
- Gerber Soothe Pro
- Earth's Best Sensitivity
- Up & Up Gentle (Target Brand)
- Parent's Choice Gentle (Walmart Brand)
Potential Drawbacks
Similac Alimentum:
- Higher cost makes it less accessible for some families.
- Some infants may not like the taste due to hydrolyzed proteins.
- Availability can vary, causing potential issues in purchasing timely.
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF:
- Contains palm olein oil, which some parents prefer to avoid.
- Price point can still be higher than basic formulas, although less than Alimentum.
- May not be suitable for infants with severe milk allergies due to whey component.
Conclusion
Both Similac Alimentum and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF offer significant benefits catered to specific digestive and dietary needs of infants. Similac Alimentum shines with its hypoallergenic formula, ideal for extremely sensitive infants, while Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF serves babies who face mild digestive issues yet still require comprehensive nutritional support.
Ultimately, it's essential to consult with a pediatrician when determining the best formula for your baby to ensure their specific nutritional requirements are met efficiently and safely.
Sources*
Buy Similac Alimentum Online
Buy Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
Start here
Nutrient comparison
| Similac Alimentum | +/- | Data | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 mcg |
| 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 RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 0.00 | Vitamin B6 | 0.00 | 60.00 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 |