FormulaSeek - Similac Alimentum RTF vs Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF


Updated: 12/7/2024


Introduction

Selecting the right infant formula is a crucial decision for parents, as it directly impacts a baby's nutritional intake and development. With various options available, it's essential to choose a formula that aligns with your baby’s specific dietary needs and health considerations. This blog post compares two well-known options: Similac Alimentum RTF and Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF. Both aim to fulfill varying nutritional needs, catering to specific groups of infants.

Nutritional Composition

Infant formulas are designed to mimic breast milk and fulfill the dietary requirements of infants. Similac Alimentum RTF is formulated for babies with allergies and sensitivities, utilizing hydrolyzed proteins that break down potential allergens. Meanwhile, Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF aims to meet the nutritional needs of preterm infants transitioning home post-discharge, enriched in nutrients like calcium and vitamins for growth and development.

Key Differences

Feature Similac Alimentum RTF Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF
Protein Source Extensively hydrolyzed casein Whey-predominant
Carbohydrate Source Corn maltodextrin Lactose
Fat Source Safflower, MCT, Soy Soy, coconut, high-oleic safflower
Prebiotics and Probiotics None Contains prebiotics
Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels Includes DHA/ARA Higher DHA/ARA levels
Iron and Calcium Content Moderate Higher levels
Estimated Cost per Ounce $0.60 $0.65
Organic or Non-GMO Certification Non-GMO Non-GMO

Special Features and Benefits

Similac Alimentum RTF is specially designed for infants with allergies or lactose sensitivity, featuring hydrolyzed casein protein that is easier to digest and less likely to cause allergic reactions. On the other hand, Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF is tailored for premature infants, enriched with key nutrients like DHA, lutein, and vitamin E, to support brain and eye development, alongside aiding bone growth and immune system support.

Target Audience

Similac Alimentum RTF is ideal for infants with food allergies or sensitivities, particularly those who react to lactose or protein components in standard milk formulas. Conversely, Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF is designed for preterm infants who have been discharged from the hospital, providing them with additional nutritional support necessary for continued growth and development.

Alternatives to Similac Alimentum RTF

  • Nutramigen with Enflora LGG
  • Gerber Extensive HA
  • Enfamil ProSobee
  • Soy-Based Formulas
  • Happy Baby Organic

Alternatives to Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF

  • Enfamil Enfacare
  • Gerber Good Start Extensive HA
  • Neocate Infant DHA/ARA
  • PreNAN
  • Holle Pre

Potential Drawbacks

With Similac Alimentum RTF, some considerations include higher cost compared to regular formulas, and the potential reluctance some infants have towards its taste. Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF, while highly beneficial for preterm infants, might be unnecessary for full-term babies, leading to potential over-nutrition which can also be costly.

Conclusion

Both Similac Alimentum RTF and Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF serve specific purposes, tailored for infants with unique nutritional needs. Alimentum RTF is best for babies with sensitivities, while NeoSure is ideal for preemies needing extra nutrition. It's vital to consult with a pediatrician to determine the most suitable formula for your baby's individual health needs and circumstances.

Sources*

Buy Similac Alimentum RTF Online

Buy Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF Online

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Nutrient comparison

Similac Alimentum RTF +/- 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
1900.00 mg 1150.00 Linoleic Acid 750.00 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 RTF +/- 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 RTF +/- Vitamin +/- Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF
300.00 IU -50.00 Vitamin A 50.00 350.00 IU
45.00 IU -25.00 Vitamin D 25.00 70.00 IU
3.00 IU -0.60 Vitamin E 0.60 3.60 IU
15.00 mcg 4.00 Vitamin K -4.00 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