FormulaSeek - Similac Alimentum RTF vs Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a critical decision for new parents, given that it is a primary source of nutrition for their babies when breastfeeding is not an option. Infant formulas are carefully designed to mimic human breast milk as closely as possible, providing essential nutrients needed for an infant's growth and development. Among the countless options available, two notable formulas are Similac Alimentum Ready-To-Feed (RTF) and Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare. Each of these options has specific features catering to particular dietary needs, making them popular choices among new parents.
Nutritional Composition
When selecting an infant formula, nutritional composition is paramount. Similac Alimentum RTF is designed for babies with food allergies and colic symptoms due to protein sensitivity. It features hydrolyzed casein protein, making digestion easier for sensitive stomachs. It also includes a blend of carbohydrate sources such as maltodextrin and sugar, and its fat sources include high oleic safflower oil and medium-chain triglycerides.
On the other hand, Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare provides nutrition specially formulated for premature babies who are transitioning home. It contains a mix of whey and casein proteins tailored to support catch-up growth. This formula uses corn syrup solids and lactose as carbohydrate sources, with additional fats supplied by palm olein, coconut oil, soy oil, and high-oleic sunflower oil.
Key Differences
| Characteristic | Similac Alimentum RTF | Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Hydrolyzed Casein | Whey-Casein Blend |
| Carbohydrate Source | Maltodextrin, Sugar | Corn Syrup Solids, Lactose |
| Fat Source | High Oleic Safflower Oil, MCT | Palm Olein, Coconut, Soy, Sunflower Oil |
| Prebiotics/Probiotics | None | None |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | 25 mg/16.5 mg per 100 Calories | 17 mg/34 mg per 100 Calories |
| Iron Content | 1.8 mg per 100 Calories | 2.8 mg per 100 Calories |
| Calcium Content | 84 mg per 100 Calories | 105 mg per 100 Calories |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.25 | $0.28 |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | No GMOs | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac Alimentum RTF is particularly beneficial for infants with severe food allergies or excruciating colic, as its hypoallergenic formula mitigates these concerns. The ready-to-feed format also ensures safety and convenience for busy parents.
Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare is specifically formulated with nutrients such as DHA, ARA, and an increased level of vitamins and minerals, which are essential for the cognitive development and growth of premature infants. It provides comprehensive nutrition during the critical growth period after premature birth.
Target Audience
Similac Alimentum RTF is best suited for infants who demonstrate protein sensitivity symptoms, such as colic due to cow's milk allergy, while Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare is designed for premature babies still requiring nutritional support as they continue to grow and develop.
Alternatives for Similac Alimentum RTF
- Nutramigen with Enflora LGG
- Gerber Extensive HA
- Earth's Best Organic Sensitivity
- Happy Baby Organic Sensitive
- Burt’s Bees Baby Ultra Gentle
Alternatives for Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare
- Similac Neosure
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro
- Enfamil EnfaCare Powder
- Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula
- The Honest Company Organic Premium Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
With Similac Alimentum RTF, cost is a significant concern, as it is generally higher priced compared to standard formulas due to its specialized formulation. Availability can sometimes be an issue, as well, given its specific target audience.
Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare, on the other hand, while cheaper per ounce than Alimentum, is still pricier than regular formulas. Some parents may be concerned about the presence of palm olein oil, which has been debated regarding its absorption efficiency concerning calcium.
Conclusion
In summary, Similac Alimentum RTF is a hypoallergenic, ready-to-feed formula best suited for infants with allergies and digestion issues, while Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare is a post-discharge formula designed for the nutritional needs of premature infants transitioning home. As each baby's needs are unique, it is crucial for parents to consult with their pediatrician to determine the best formula for their child's specific dietary requirements and health conditions.
Sources*
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac Alimentum RTF | +/- | 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 | |
| 1900.00 mg | 1120.00 | 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 RTF | +/- | 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 RTF | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300.00 IU | -150.00 | Vitamin A | 150.00 | 450.00 IU |
| 45.00 IU | -30.00 | Vitamin D | 30.00 | 75.00 IU |
| 3.00 IU | -1.00 | Vitamin E | 1.00 | 4.00 IU |
| 15.00 mcg | 6.00 | Vitamin K | -6.00 | 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 |