FormulaSeek - Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF vs Enfamil Enspire


Updated: 12/7/2024


Introduction

Choosing the right infant formula is a vital decision for parents, as it plays a crucial role in an infant's early development. Factors such as nutritional composition, specific health needs, and personal or cultural preferences can all influence this decision. Two popular choices among parents are Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF and Enfamil Enspire. Both of these formulas are designed to meet the diverse nutritional needs of infants, but each has its unique components and benefits.

Nutritional Composition

Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF is specifically designed for premature infants or those who need additional nutrition after hospital discharge. It typically includes a higher concentration of calories, protein, and certain vitamins and minerals. Enfamil Enspire, on the other hand, is crafted to closely mimic breast milk and provides a combination of important nutrients like lactoferrin and MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), which are not found in all formula types.

In terms of protein, Similac NeoSure primarily uses a blend of whey and casein proteins, which are essential for infant growth. Enfamil Enspire also uses a whey and casein blend but includes nonfat milk as part of its protein structure. The carbohydrate sources differ, with Similac NeoSure using lactose as the primary carbohydrate, while Enfamil Enspire also includes lactose but may have other sugars. The fat sources mainly consist of fats like safflower or soy oil, and in the case of Enfamil, palm olein oil that contributes to essential fatty acids for brain development.

Key Differences

Feature Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF Enfamil Enspire
Protein Source Whey-to-casein blend Whey and nonfat milk
Carbohydrate Source Lactose Lactose and other sugars
Fat Source Safflower oil Palm olein, soy oil
Prebiotics and Probiotics None specified HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharide)
Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels Higher levels for preemies Include DHA and ARA
Iron and Calcium Content Higher for infant growth Standard levels
Estimated Cost per Ounce Approx. $0.15 Approx. $0.16
Organic or Non-GMO Certification Non-GMO Non-GMO

Special Features and Benefits

Similac NeoSure's primary benefit is its enriched formula designed to promote catch-up growth in premature infants. Its higher calorie count and added nutrients support brain and vision development. Enfamil Enspire's unique additions of lactoferrin and MFGM are tailored to support immune health and cognitive development, bringing it closer to the structure of breast milk.

Target Audience

Similac NeoSure is particularly beneficial for premature babies who require extra nutrition to support early critical development. Enfamil Enspire is suitable for full-term infants and those whose parents want a formula that closely resembles breast milk, supporting both cognitive and immune systems effectively.

Alternatives

Similac NeoSure Alternatives

  • Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare
  • Gerber Good Start Soothe
  • Earth's Best Organic Infant Formula
  • Similac Alimentum
  • Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula

Enfamil Enspire Alternatives

  • Similac 360 Total Care
  • Gerber Good Start GentlePro
  • Similac Pro-Advance
  • Earth's Best Organic Gentle
  • Plum Organics Grow Well

Potential Drawbacks

Similac NeoSure can be more expensive due to its special formulation for premature infants and might not be required for full-term babies, risking overnutrition. Enfamil Enspire, while beneficial, is often one of the pricier options, and some parents might express concerns over the presence of palm oil, which can potentially affect calcium absorption.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF and Enfamil Enspire largely depends on the specific needs of your infant. Similac NeoSure is particularly suited for premature infants needing higher nutrition levels for growth recovery, while Enfamil Enspire offers an option close to breast milk composition for full-term babies. Always consult with a pediatrician to tailor your choice to the individual needs of your infant, ensuring that you meet their nutritional requirements effectively.

Sources*

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Nutrient comparison

Similac NeoSure Post Discharge RTF +/- Data +/- Enfamil Enspire
5.50 g 0.20 Fat 5.30 g
10.10 g Carbohydrate 1.00 11.10 g
2.80 g 0.70 Protein 2.10 g
750.00 mg Linoleic Acid 30.00 780.00 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 NeoSure Post Discharge RTF +/- Minerals +/- Enfamil Enspire
105.00 mg 27.00 Calcium -27.00 78.00 mg
62.00 mg 19.00 Phosphorus -19.00 43.00 mg
9.00 mg 1.00 Magnesium -1.00 8.00 mg
1.80 mg 0.00 Iron 0.00 1.80 mg
1.20 mg 0.20 Zinc -0.20 1.00 mg
10.00 mcg -5.00 Manganese 5.00 15.00 mcg
120.00 mcg 45.00 Copper -45.00 75.00 mcg
15.00 mcg 0.00 Iodine 0.00 15.00 mcg
2.30 mcg -0.50 Selenium 0.50 2.80 mcg
33.00 mg 6.00 Sodium -6.00 27.00 mg
142.00 mg 34.00 Potassium -34.00 108.00 mg
75.00 mg 12.00 Chloride -12.00 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 NeoSure Post Discharge RTF +/- Vitamin +/- Enfamil Enspire
3.60 IU 1.60 Vitamin E -1.60 2.00 IU
11.00 mcg 2.00 Vitamin K -2.00 9.00 mcg
175.00 mcg 95.00 Thiamin (Vit B1) -95.00 80.00 mcg
150.00 mcg 10.00 Riboflavin (Vit B2) -10.00 140.00 mcg
100.00 mcg 40.00 Vitamin B6 -40.00 60.00 mcg
0.40 mcg 0.10 Vitamin B12 -0.10 0.30 mcg
1950.00 mcg 950.00 Niacin -950.00 1000.00 mcg
25.00 mcg 9.00 Folic Acid -9.00 16.00 mcg
800.00 mcg 300.00 Pantothenic Acid -300.00 500.00 mcg
9.00 mcg 6.00 Biotin -6.00 3.00 mcg
15.00 mg 3.00 Vitamin C -3.00 12.00 mg
16.00 mg -8.00 Choline 8.00 24.00 mg
35.00 mg 11.00 Inositol -11.00 24.00 mg
350.00 IU 50.00 Vitamin A -50.00 300.00 IU
70.00 IU 0.00 Vitamin D 0.00 70.00 IU