FormulaSeek - Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF vs Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
Updated: 12/7/2024
Introduction
Choosing the right infant formula is a crucial decision for many parents, especially when breastfeeding isn't an option. Baby formula must provide the proper nutrients for growth and development, while also being gentle on an infant's digestive system. Two popular formulas on the market are Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease. Each claims to cater to specific infant needs, and in this post, we'll dissect their compositions, benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed choice.
Nutritional Composition
The nutritional makeup of an infant formula is paramount, as it determines how well the formula supports a baby's growth. Both Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease boast unique compositions:
Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF: This formula uses milk protein isolate, aiming for ease of digestion. It incorporates a blend of carbohydrates, primarily maltodextrin, alongside a mix of fats including soy oil and coconut oil. It enriches its formula with an array of essential vitamins and minerals needed for growth.
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease: This formula focuses on partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate solids. It also employs lactose as a carbohydratie source, complemented with a mix of palm olein, coconut, soy, and high oleic sunflower oils. Rich in vitamins and minerals, Enfamil also underscores its MFGM and DHA additions for brain development support.
Key Differences
| Feature | Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF | Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Milk protein isolate | Partially hydrolyzed nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate solids |
| Carbohydrate Source | Maltodextrin | Lactose |
| Fat Source | Soy oil, coconut oil | Palm olein, coconut oil, soy oil, high oleic sunflower oil |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | 2'-FL HMO prebiotic | No prebiotics, focuses on DHA and MFGM |
| Omega-3 (DHA/ARA) Levels | Included | Included with emphasis on DHA and MFGM |
| Iron and Calcium Content | 22.5 mg Iron, 80 mg Calcium (per 100 kcal) | 30 mg Iron, 70 mg Calcium (per 100 kcal) |
| Estimated Cost per Ounce | $0.50* | $0.47* |
| Organic or Non-GMO Certification | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
*Estimated price may vary based on retailer and location.
Special Features and Benefits
Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF is known for its gentleness on sensitive tummies, primarily due to its easily digestible protein isolate. The addition of the 2'-FL HMO prebiotic aims to support an infant's immune system, closer to the benefits found in breast milk.
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease offers MFGM and expert-recommended DHA levels for enhanced cognitive development. Its partially hydrolyzed formulation is designed to ease fussiness and gas within 24 hours, making it a go-to for many parents with babies suffering from digestive difficulties.
Target Audience
Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF: This formula is perfect for babies who show signs of lactose sensitivity and require a gentler formulation to help ease fussiness and gas issues.
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease: It's designed for infants who have mild to moderate lactose sensitivity, with a focus on reducing gassiness while also supporting brain development with DHA and MFGM.
Alternatives to Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF
- Gerber Good Start Soothe
- Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
- Earth's Best Organic Reduced Lactose
- Plum Organics Grow Well
- Parent's Choice Gentle
Alternatives to Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
- Similac Sensitive
- Gerber Good Start Gentle
- Earth's Best Sensitivity
- Parent's Choice Advantage
- Happy Baby Organics Stage 2
Potential Drawbacks
Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF: The primary concerns revolve around its higher cost and availability, as it may not be as widely stocked as other formulas. Some parents report issues with the formulation being too thin.
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease: While generally effective, some parents may challenge its use of palm oil, which is disputed due to potential links to digestive issues. The price may also be on the higher end for some budget-conscious families.
Conclusion
Both Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF and Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease are excellent formulas, each catering to specific needs. Similac's focus on prebiotic content to aid digestion is beneficial for babies with sensitive stomachs. In contrast, Enfamil’s offering stands out for its concentration on brain development nutrients like DHA and MFGM. Ultimately, the choice between these options should consider your baby’s unique dietary needs and any digestive sensitivities they might have. Regardless of the selection, it's always best to discuss these options with a pediatrician to ensure the health and well-being of your infant.
Sources*
Buy Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF Online
Buy Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Online
+ Links are reviewed periodically for accuracy; failing links might mean the product is currently unavailable.
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Nutrient comparison
| Similac ProTotal Comfort RTF | +/- | Data | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.40 g | 0.10 | Fat | 5.30 g | |
| 10.70 g | Carbohydrate | 0.10 | 10.80 g | |
| 2.32 g | 0.02 | Protein | 2.30 g | |
| 1000.00 mg | 220.00 | 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 ProTotal Comfort RTF | +/- | Minerals | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105.00 mg | 23.00 | Calcium | -23.00 | 82.00 mg |
| 75.00 mg | 29.00 | Phosphorus | -29.00 | 46.00 mg |
| 6.00 mg | -2.00 | Magnesium | 2.00 | 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 |
| 5.00 mcg | -10.00 | Manganese | 10.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 90.00 mcg | 15.00 | Copper | -15.00 | 75.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | 0.00 | Iodine | 0.00 | 15.00 mcg |
| 2.00 mcg | -0.80 | Selenium | 0.80 | 2.80 mg |
| 44.00 mg | 4.00 | Sodium | -4.00 | 40.00 mg |
| 118.00 mg | 10.00 | Potassium | -10.00 | 108.00 mg |
| 65.00 mg | 2.00 | Chloride | -2.00 | 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 ProTotal Comfort RTF | +/- | Vitamin | +/- | Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.50 IU | -0.50 | Vitamin E | 0.50 | 2.00 IU |
| 8.00 mcg | -1.00 | Vitamin K | 1.00 | 9.00 mcg |
| 100.00 mcg | 20.00 | Thiamin (Vit B1) | -20.00 | 80.00 mcg |
| 150.00 mcg | 10.00 | Riboflavin (Vit B2) | -10.00 | 140.00 mcg |
| 60.00 mcg | 54.00 | Vitamin B6 | -54.00 | 6.00 mcg |
| 0.25 mcg | -0.05 | Vitamin B12 | 0.05 | 0.30 mcg |
| 1050.00 mcg | 50.00 | Niacin | -50.00 | 1000.00 mcg |
| 15.00 mcg | -1.00 | Folic Acid | 1.00 | 16.00 mcg |
| 450.00 mcg | -50.00 | Pantothenic Acid | 50.00 | 500.00 mcg |
| 4.40 mcg | 1.40 | Biotin | -1.40 | 3.00 mcg |
| 9.00 mg | -3.00 | Vitamin C | 3.00 | 12.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 0.00 | Choline | 0.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 24.00 mg | 0.00 | Inositol | 0.00 | 24.00 mg |
| 300.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin A | 0.00 | 300.00 IU |
| 60.00 IU | 0.00 | Vitamin D | 0.00 | 60.00 IU |