FormulaSeek - Similac ProTotal Comfort vs Similac NeoSure Post Discharge
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a critical decision for parents, especially for those unable to breastfeed or needing a supplementary milk source. The correct formula ensures your little one gets the nutrients essential for growth and development. Today, we will examine two popular formulas: Similac NeoSure Post Discharge and Similac ProTotal Comfort. Each is tailored for specific needs and stages in an infant's life, making understanding their unique benefits vital.
Nutritional Composition
Similac NeoSure is specifically crafted for premature infants transitioning to home life after hospital discharge. It provides higher levels of calories, protein, iron, and DHA compared to typical formulas. On the other hand, Similac ProTotal Comfort is designed for babies with fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity, providing easy-to-digest proteins and a delicate balance of nutrients.
Protein: NeoSure contains a blend of whey and casein proteins suited to the higher energy needs of preemies, while ProTotal Comfort includes partially hydrolyzed whey protein, gentler on sensitive stomachs.
Carbohydrates: Both formulas use lactose, a natural carbohydrate found in breast milk. However, ProTotal Comfort also includes corn maltodextrin to support digestion.
Fats: NeoSure employs a unique blend, including MCT oils for enhanced fat absorption, crucial for premature infants. ProTotal Comfort relies on palm olein oil as a primary fat source, in concert with safflower and soy oils.
Vitamins & Minerals: Both formulas cover the necessary base of vitamins and minerals. Notably, NeoSure is fortified with additional nutrients tailored for preemies' needs.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac NeoSure Post Discharge | Similac ProTotal Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Whey & Casein (typical blend) | Partially Hydrolyzed Whey |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Lactose, Corn Maltodextrin |
| Fat Source | MCT Oil, Safflower Oil | Palm Olein Oil, Safflower Oil |
| Prebiotics/Probiotics | No | 2'-FL HMO Prebiotic |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) | Higher Levels | Standard Levels |
| Iron | Increased Levels | Standard Levels |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | Approx. $0.20 | Approx. $0.18 |
| Organic/Non-GMO | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
Special Features and Benefits
Similac NeoSure excels with its tailored nutrition which meets the extraordinary demands of a premature infant's growth. Its higher calorie content ensures that these infants gain weight and develop properly. Meanwhile, Similac ProTotal Comfort is engineered for ease of digestion, minimizing fussiness and gas thanks to its partially hydrolyzed proteins and prebiotic content to support the immune system.
Target Audience
Similac NeoSure is ideal for recently discharged premature infants needing to catch up on growth and development milestones. In contrast, Similac ProTotal Comfort is better suited for babies experiencing mild to moderate lactose sensitivity, colic, or gas, providing comfort through easily digestible nutrients.
Alternatives to Similac NeoSure
- Enfamil EnfaCare
- Gerber Good Start GentlePro
- Earth's Best Organic Low Lactose Sensitivity
- Nutramigen with Enflora LGG
- Happy Baby Organic Sensitive
Alternatives to Similac ProTotal Comfort
- Enfamil Gentlease
- Gerber Good Start Soothe
- Earth's Best Organic Gentle
- Parent's Choice Gentle Formula
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
Potential Drawbacks
Similac NeoSure's higher cost and specific formula tailored to preemies might not be necessary for full-term infants, making it less versatile for broader use.
Similac ProTotal Comfort, while gentler on sensitive stomachs, doesn't cater to the unique nutritional needs of premature babies and might not provide the extra nutrition some infants demand.
Conclusion
Choosing between Similac NeoSure Post Discharge and Similac ProTotal Comfort largely depends on your infant's unique health requirements. NeoSure is specifically designed for premature infants gaining ground in development, while ProTotal Comfort offers a gentle solution for fussiness and gas in full-term infants. As always, before making any changes to your baby's diet, consulting with a pediatrician if possible to ensure you're meeting all of your child’s nutritional needs is advisable.
Note: Prices mentioned are estimates and can vary by location.
Sources*
Buy Similac ProTotal Comfort Online
Buy Similac NeoSure Post Discharge Online
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac ProTotal Comfort | +/- | Data | +/- | Similac NeoSure Post Discharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.40 g | Fat | 0.10 | 5.50 g | |
| 10.70 g | 0.60 | Carbohydrate | 10.10 g | |
| 2.32 g | Protein | 0.48 | 2.80 g | |
| 1000.00 mg | 250.00 | 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 ProTotal Comfort | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Similac NeoSure Post Discharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105.00 mg | 0.00 | Calcium | 0.00 | 105.00 mg |
| 75.00 mg | 13.00 | Phosphorus | -13.00 | 62.00 mg |
| 6.00 mg | -3.00 | Magnesium | 3.00 | 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 |
| 5.00 mcg | -5.00 | Manganese | 5.00 | 10.00 mcg |
| 90.00 mcg | -30.00 | Copper | 30.00 | 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 |
| 65.00 mg | -10.00 | Chloride | 10.00 | 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 ProTotal Comfort | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Similac NeoSure Post Discharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.50 IU | -2.10 | Vitamin E | 2.10 | 3.60 IU |
| 8.00 mcg | -3.00 | Vitamin K | 3.00 | 11.00 mcg |
| 100.00 mcg | -75.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | 75.00 | 175.00 mcg |
| 150.00 mcg | 0.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | 0.00 | 150.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | -40.00 | Vitamin B6 | 40.00 | 100.00 mcg |
| 0.25 mcg | -0.15 | Vitamin B12 | 0.15 | 0.40 mcg |
| 1050.00 mcg | -900.00 | Niacin | 900.00 | 1950.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | -10.00 | Folic Acid | 10.00 | 25.00 mcg |
| 450.00 mcg | -350.00 | Pantothenic Acid | 350.00 | 800.00 mcg |
| 4.40 mcg | -4.60 | Biotin | 4.60 | 9.00 mcg |
| 9.00 mg | -6.00 | Vitamin C | 6.00 | 15.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 8.00 | Choline | -8.00 | 16.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | -11.00 | Inositol | 11.00 | 35.00 mg |
| 300.00 IU | -50.00 | Vitamin A | 50.00 | 350.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | -10.00 | Vitamin D | 10.00 | 70.00 IU |