FormulaSeek - Similac Alimentum vs Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents who are unable to breastfeed or need to supplement breastfeeding. The choice of formula can significantly affect an infant’s growth, development, and overall well-being. Among the various options available, Similac Alimentum and Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF are two specialized formulas targeting different infant needs. In this post, we will compare these two formulas to help parents make informed choices.
Nutritional Composition
Similac Alimentum is designed for infants with food allergies or colic due to protein sensitivity. It features a unique formula with hydrolyzed casein protein, which is broken down into smaller pieces making it less likely to cause allergic reactions. Its carbohydrate source is mostly corn maltodextrin while the fat blend includes safflower oil, palm oil, and coconut oil.
Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF is specially formulated for premature infants transitioning from hospital to home. It features whey protein dominating its composition for easier digestion and optimal growth. The carbohydrate source is primarily lactose, with a fat blend incorporating soy oil and high oleic safflower oil. Both formulas are enriched with essential vitamins and minerals necessary for infant development.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac Alimentum | Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Hydrolyzed Casein | Whey Protein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Corn Maltodextrin | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Safflower, Palm, Coconut Oil | Soy, High Oleic Safflower Oil |
| Prebiotics/Probiotics | None | Prebiotics |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) | Yes | Yes |
| Iron Content | 1.9 mg/100 kcal | 2.8 mg/100 kcal |
| Calcium Content | 105 mg/100 kcal | 120 mg/100 kcal |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.50 (estimated) | $0.44 (estimated) |
| Organic/Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Alimentum offers the benefit of a hypoallergenic formula with hydrolyzed protein for infants with food allergies or colic. It's formulated to be gentle and reduce digestive upset and allergic reactions. Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF is tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of premature infants by providing enriched nutrients such as higher levels of vitamins and minerals, which support growth and brain development.
Target Audience
Similac Alimentum is best suited for babies who experience discomfort from cow's milk protein sensitivity or food allergies. On the other hand, Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF is ideal for prematurely born infants who require added nutritional support to catch up in growth after leaving the hospital.
Alternatives
Alternatives to Similac Alimentum
- Enfamil Nutramigen
- Gerber Extensive HA
- Earth's Best Organic Sensitivity
- Happy Baby Infant Formula Sensitive
- PurAmino Hypoallergenic Infant Formula
Alternatives to Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF
- Enfamil Enfacare
- Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula
- Gerber Good Start Soy
- Hipp Organic Formula
- Baby’s Only Organic Dairy Toddler Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Similac Alimentum can be relatively expensive compared to standard formulas and may be harder to find in some locations. Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF can also be costly and, although enriched, it might be more than what full-term infants need, potentially causing excess intake of certain nutrients if not used as intended.
Conclusion
Both Similac Alimentum and Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF are excellent choices to meet specific nutritional needs. Alimentum is targeted for infants with dietary sensitivities, while NeoSure focuses on premature infants requiring nutritional catch-up. Parents should consult with their pediatrician to ensure the chosen formula aligns with their infant's needs.
Sources*
Buy Similac Alimentum Online
Buy Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac Alimentum | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.54 g | 0.04 | Fat | 5.50 g | |
| 10.20 g | 0.10 | Carbohydrate | 10.10 g | |
| 2.75 g | Protein | 0.05 | 2.80 g | |
| 800.00 mg | 50.00 | Linoleic Acid | 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 Alimentum | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105.00 mg | 0.00 | Calcium | 0.00 | 105.00 mg |
| 75.00 mg | 13.00 | Phosphorus | -13.00 | 62.00 mg |
| 7.50 mg | -1.50 | Magnesium | 1.50 | 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 |
| 8.00 mcg | -2.00 | Manganese | 2.00 | 10.00 mcg |
| 75.00 mcg | -45.00 | Copper | 45.00 | 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 |
| 44.00 mg | 11.00 | Sodium | -11.00 | 33.00 mg |
| 118.00 mg | -24.00 | Potassium | 24.00 | 142.00 mg |
| 80.00 mg | 5.00 | Chloride | -5.00 | 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 Alimentum | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60.00 IU | -10.00 | Vitamin D | 10.00 | 70.00 IU |
| 3.00 IU | -0.60 | Vitamin E | 0.60 | 3.60 IU |
| 8.00 mcg | -3.00 | Vitamin K | 3.00 | 11.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | -115.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | 115.00 | 175.00 mcg |
| 90.00 mcg | -60.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 60.00 | 150.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | -40.00 | Vitamin B6 | 40.00 | 100.00 mcg |
| 0.45 mcg | 0.05 | Vitamin B12 | -0.05 | 0.40 mcg |
| 1350.00 mcg | -600.00 | Niacin | 600.00 | 1950.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | -10.00 | Folic Acid | 10.00 | 25.00 mcg |
| 750.00 mcg | -50.00 | Pantothenic Acid | 50.00 | 800.00 mcg |
| 4.50 mcg | -4.50 | Biotin | 4.50 | 9.00 mcg |
| 9.00 mg | -6.00 | Vitamin C | 6.00 | 15.00 mg |
| 12.00 mg | -4.00 | Choline | 4.00 | 16.00 mg |
| 5.00 mg | -30.00 | Inositol | 30.00 | 35.00 mg |
| 300.00 IU | -50.00 | Vitamin A | 50.00 | 350.00 IU |