Key Differences Between Enfamil AR and Similac Pro-Total Comfort
| Feature | Enfamil AR | Similac Pro-Total Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Reducing spit-up | For milk intolerance |
| Key Ingredient | Rice Starch | Partially Hydrolyzed Whey |
| Protein Source | Nonfat Milk (2.5g/5 fl oz) | Partially Hydrolyzed Whey (2.32g/5 fl oz) |
| Carbs Source | Lactose, Maltodextrin, Rice Starch (11.3g/5 fl oz) | Corn Maltodextrin, Sugar (10.7g/5 fl oz) |
| Fats & Oils | Palm Olein, Coconut, Soy, Sunflower (5.1g/5 fl oz) | High Oleic Safflower, Soy, Coconut (5.4g/5 fl oz) |
| Palm Olein Presence ❌ | Yes | No |
| Prebiotics | Galactooligosaccharides, Polydextrose | 2′-FL HMO |
| Probiotics | None | None |
| DHA & Lutein | Yes | Yes |
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This article aims to compare two popular sensitive formulas in the US: Enfamil AR vs Similac Pro-Total Comfort.
We will analyze their ingredients and nutritional compositions to give you the information you need to make an informed decision for your baby.
Let’s get started!
*Related read: Enfamil AR vs Nan AR
Our Short Answer
It is tough to pick a winner in this comparison as each formula is designed for different types of needs.
Choose Enfamil AR if your baby:
– Suffers from reflux or spit-up.
– Is not lactose intolerant
– Does not have allergies or risk of allergies to cow’s milk proteinChoose Similac Pro-Total Comfort if your baby:
– Is lactose intolerant
– Is at risk for cow’s milk protein allergies (If diagnosed with CMPA, it is best to choose an extensively hydrolyzed formula).From an objective standpoint, if we had to pick one for being a better formula considering its ingredients, Similac Pro-Total Comfort would come out on top, but just barely.
That said, we recommend you read about the alternatives mentioned below in the article before you make any decisions.
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Overview of the two formulas
Enfamil AR: Specialized for infant spit-up issues. Contains DHA, dual prebiotics for immunity, and rice starch clinically proven to reduce spit-up by 50% in a week. Complete nutrition for the first 12 months. Fortified for growth and brain-eye development.
Similac Pro-Total Comfort: For fussiness due to milk intolerance. Includes 2′-FL HMO for immune support. Partially hydrolyzed whey protein aids digestion, reduces colicky symptoms. Contains DHA and lutein for brain and eye development. No Palm Olein oil, promotes calcium absorption.
Enfamil AR
Enfamil AR is a specialized baby formula designed to address spit-up issues in infants.
Enfamil AR contains a rich mixture of essential nutrients, including brain-nourishing DHA and dual prebiotic formula for immune health and comprehensive nutrition.
Its distinctive formula contains rice starch, which has been clinically proven to reduce spit-up in infants by over 50% within a week.
Enfamil AR is designed to provide complete nutrition for your little one’s first 12 months.
The formula is well-fortified with vitamins and minerals to support growth and brain and eye development.
Similac Pro-Total Comfort
Similac Pro-Total Comfort is a gentle formula made specifically for babies experiencing fussiness, gas, and crying difficulties linked to the intolerance of other milk-based baby formulas.
The formula incorporates 2′-FL HMO, a prebiotic found in human milk, which supports the developing immune system.
Similac Pro-Total Comfort formula is easy to digest, thanks to its partially hydrolyzed whey protein that can reduce colicky symptoms like fussiness and gas within a day of use.
Furthermore, it supports the development of your baby’s brain and eyes, as it contains both DHA and lutein, significant ingredients in breast milk.
Similac Pro-Total Comfort is free of Palm Olein oil, giving your baby excellent calcium absorption.
Nutritional Composition
Enfamil AR: Protein from nonfat milk (2.5g per 5 fl oz). Uses industry-standard skimmed milk. Carbs from lactose, maltodextrin, rice starch (11.3g per 5 fl oz). Thickened for reflux. Fats from palm olein, coconut, soy, high oleic sunflower oils (5.1g per 5 fl oz).
Similac Pro-Total Comfort: Protein from partially hydrolyzed whey (2.32g per 5 fl oz). Easier digestion for sensitive babies. Carbs from corn maltodextrin, sugar (10.7g per 5 fl oz). No lactose, added sugar concerns. Fats from high oleic safflower, soy, coconut oils (5.4g per 5 fl oz). No palm olein, better fat choice.
Protein Content
Enfamil AR’s protein source is nonfat milk, providing 2.5g of protein per 5.0 fl oz serving.
Similac Pro-Total Comfort uses partially hydrolyzed whey protein, which is easier to digest for babies who might find regular cow’s milk protein more challenging to break down. This formula contains 2.32g of protein per 5 fl oz prepared as directed.
There is a key difference in protein content between both formulas.
Similac Pro-Total Comfort uses partially hydrolyzed protein, meaning it is pre-digested and easier to process by babies.
Hydrolyzed formulas are designed for babies with allergy risks or issues.
Enfamil AR uses skimmed milk, the industry standard for conventional formulas.
Carbohydrate Content
The main sources of carbohydrates in Enfamil AR are lactose and maltodextrin and rice starch, with 11.3 per 5 fl oz serving.
In the case of Similac Pro-Total Comfort, the carbohydrate source comes from Corn Maltodextrin and sugar. According to the nutritional information, there are 10.7g of carbohydrates per serving of 5 fl oz, prepared as directed.
Another important difference in carbohydrate content.
Enfamil AR has reduced lactose content with maltodextrin and rice starch. This blend makes the formula thicker and helps babies with reflux and spit-up.
Similac Pro-Total Comfort does not use lactose (perfect for babies with lactose intolerances), and has corn maltodextrin and added sugar. While corn maltodextrin is a better alternative to lactose than corn syrup solids for reducing sugar content, we are not fond of Similac adding extra sugar to its formula.
Fats and Oils
Enfamil AR gets its fats from a blend of vegetable oils (palm olein, coconut, soy, and high oleic sunflower oils), providing 5.1g of total fat per 5 fl oz serving.
Similac Pro-Total Comfort, however, doesn’t contain Palm Olein oil, instead sourcing its fats from high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil, amounting to 5.4g of total fat per serving of 5 fl oz, prepared as directed.
Both formulas also include recommended amounts of DHA and ARA.
The main difference is the use of palm olein.
While we would be okay with organically produced palm oil, palm olein, which Enfamil uses, it’s a more processed version. It has been linked with calcium absorption problems when consumed constantly.
Similac wins the fat battle easily.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Enfamil AR: Prebiotics (Galactooligosaccharides, Polydextrose) mimic fiber, aiding gut bacteria growth.
Similac Pro-Total Comfort: Includes 2′-FL HMO prebiotic from breast milk, supports the immune system.
No probiotics in either formula.
Prebiotics and probiotics are not essential ingredients in infant formula, but they can benefit some babies.
Enfamil AR contains prebiotic ingredients like Galactooligosaccharides and Polydextrose, which mimic the functionality of dietary fiber and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
On the other hand, Similac Pro-Total Comfort incorporates 2′-FL HMO, a prebiotic found in breast milk, which nourishes the beneficial gut bacteria that support your baby’s developing immune system. HMOs are the best kind of prebiotic for babies.
There are no probiotics in either formula.
Best Places to Buy Enfamil AR and Similac Pro-Total Comfort
Enfamil AR
Similac Pro-Total Comfort
Buy Similac Pro-Total Comfort at Target
Buy Similac Pro-Total Comfort at Walmart
What are the best alternatives to Enfamil AR and Similac Pro-Total Comfort?
Even though Enfamil AR and Similac Pro-Total Comfort are adequate formulas, we always recommend organic when it comes to formula feeding.
These are our top recommended alternatives:
Our top recommendation would be Hipp HA. This hypoallergenic formula uses partially hydrolyzed milk, making it easier for your baby to digest. Like Enfamil AR and Similac Pro-Total Comfort, it also contains prebiotics, but adds probiotics to foster a healthy gut environment. Furthermore, it’s organic, a trait we consider important during the early stages of life. It offers added peace of mind knowing that your baby is consuming a formula free of GMOs, pesticides, and artificial additives. *Read: Hipp HA vs Alimentum
Two other noteworthy alternatives are Hipp Comfort and Hipp Anti-Reflux. These formulas, like Hipp HA, are organic and offer a robust blend of prebiotics and probiotics to support your baby’s digestive health. They’re excellent options if your baby struggles with similar issues, such as spit-up or reflux. *Read: Hipp Comfort vs AR
Always consult with your pediatrician or a healthcare professional before changing your baby’s diet or introducing a new baby formula.
Last Words
We hope this formula comparison between Enfamil AR and Similac Pro-Total Comfort has helped you make an informed decision.
Remember to read about the alternatives before making a purchasing decision.
If you have more questions, leave a comment or contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
See you around!
We’re Maria and Alberto, a married couple and educators who are nutrition enthusiasts. Even before we had kids, we were already crazy about nutrition.
We’d read scientific articles, watch videos from nutritionists, and spend hours listening to nutrition podcasts.
Today, we continue doing this, but in a different way, as we’ve learned to sift through the noise and trends. Nutrition, like any other field of knowledge, the more you read and learn, the more you develop a comprehensive understanding of reality, and that’s what has happened to us.
Before having our first child, we focused on learning everything we could about child nutrition, using the same techniques we had already employed, backed by our extensive knowledge in nutrition.
Our mission is to help other parents with their children’s nutrition, to help them become the best versions of themselves.
If we are what we eat and drink, which is absolutely true, let’s do it right!
