Key Differences Between Enfamil AR and Nan AR
| Feature/Aspect | Enfamil AR | Nan AR |
|---|---|---|
| Thickening Agent | Rice starch | Plant-based starch |
| Protein Source | Nonfat milk | Hydrolyzed whey (easier to digest) |
| Carbohydrate Content | Lactose, maltodextrin, rice starch | Lactose, maltodextrin, starch |
| Fats and Oils | Palm Olein, Coconut, Soy, High Oleic Sunflower Oils, ARA, and DHA | Sunflower, Coconut, Low Erucic Rapeseed Oils (No palm olein) |
| Probiotics/Prebiotics | Dual prebiotic blend Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) | Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic |
| Brain Development | Contains DHA and ARA | Contains DHA and ARA |
| Packaging | Standard | Eco-friendly with transparent window |
| Usage Period | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months |
| Intended Use | Reduces spit-up and reflux | Reduces spit-up and reflux |
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This article compares two popular formulas designed to help with spit-up and reflux: Enfamil AR vs Nan AR.
We will analyze their ingredients and nutritional composition to give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
Let’s get after it!
*Related read: Enfamil AR vs Nutramigen
Our Short Answer
After analyzing the ingredients and nutritional information of Enfamil AR and Nan AR, we chose Nan for the following reasons:
– Its protein is partially hydrolyzed, making it easier to digest and reducing the risk of allergic reactions to cow’s milk protein.
– It does not add palm olein and opts for healthier, less controversial alternatives.
– Although it has no prebiotics, it contains a probiotic known to help with regurgitation and proper functioning of the digestive system.
That said, we recommend you read about the alternatives mentioned below in the article.
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Overview of the two formulas
Enfamil AR: Reduces spit-up, enriched with rice starch. Clinical studies show over 50% reduction in a week. Includes DHA for brain-eye development, strong prebiotics and vitamins for immunity, up to 12 months.
NAN AR: For regurgitation, plant-based starch thickener, L.reuteri for management. Innovative eco-friendly packaging, transparent window, plant-based plastic. Alternative to address regurgitation like Enfamil AR.
Enfamil AR
Enfamil AR is designed to reduce frequent spit-up, it is a gentle milk powder formula enriched with rice starch.
Clinical studies attest to its efficiency in reducing spit-up by over 50% within a week.
Enfamil AR adds brain-nourishing DHA, which supports babies’ brain and eye development.
Also, it has robust prebiotics and vitamin content that aids immune health and provides wholesome nutrition for your baby’s growth up to its first 12 months.
Switching to Enfamil AR is an excellent move if your baby’s developing digestive system is showing the common side effect of spit-up.
Plus, the formula is SNAP-eligible, making it more accessible to more parents.
NAN AR
Nan AR is a particular infant formula crafted for babies with regurgitation—made evident thanks to its plant-based starch thickening agent.
Aside from its thickening attribute, Nan AR boasts a unique blend: plant-based starch and L.reuteri (DSM 17938). This union brings an extra dose of dietary management of regurgitation.
Nan AR also leads in packaging innovation. It comes with a separate scoop storage area, a semi-transparent window that shows the remaining powder, and the lid and scoop are created from at least 66% plant-based plastic—a nod to eco-friendliness.
In summary, Nan AR is a solid alternative to regular baby formula when dealing with regurgitation issues in babies, just like Enfamil AR.
Nutritional Composition
Enfamil AR: Protein from nonfat milk. Standard skimmed milk source—carbs from lactose, maltodextrin, and rice starch (11.3g per serving). Thickening agents reduce spit-up—fats from Palm Olein, Coconut, Soy, High Oleic Sunflower Oils, ARA, and DHA. *Read: DHA and ARA in Baby Formula
Nan AR: Protein from hydrolyzed whey (easily digestible) for sensitive babies. Fats from Sunflower, Coconut, Low Erucic Rapeseed Oils. Better fat balance, no palm olein.
Protein Content
Enfamil AR delivers 2.5g of protein per serving. Protein in this baby formula is sourced from nonfat milk in its ingredient list, which helps build and repair tissues in the body while supporting growth and development.
Nan AR offers its protein through enzymatically hydrolyzed whey derived from cow’s milk. Hydrolyzed whey is known to be easily digestible and is often used for babies who struggle with standard cow’s milk protein.
There is a significant difference in protein content between Enfamil and Nan.
Enfamil uses skimmed milk, which is the industry standard for ordinary formulas.
Nan, however, uses partially hydrolyzed milk, meaning it is partially pre-digested, making it easier for babies to process. This is beneficial for babies with cow’s milk protein allergy risks.
*Learn more: Hydrolyzed baby formulas
Carbohydrate Content
Enfamil AR has a carbohydrate content of 11.3g per serving, and its primary sources of carbohydrates are lactose, maltodextrin, and rice starch. Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk, maltodextrin is a type of sugar produced from starch, and rice starch acts as a thickening agent, which helps reduce spit-up.
Nan AR uses lactose, starch, and maltodextrin as its main carbohydrate sources. The combination provides balanced and sustained energy for your baby’s growth and development. The starch in Nan AR also contributes to its thickness, making it suitable for babies with regurgitation.
While there was a big difference in protein content, regarding carbohydrates there are no relevant differences between both formulas.
Both have reduced lactose content with maltodextrin and starch to thicken the formula. This is a common practice in formulas designed for sensitive tummies.
*Learn more: Maltodextrin in fórmula | Starch in formula
Fats and Oils
Enfamil AR derives its fat content from a blend of vegetable oils, including Palm Olein, Coconut, Soy, High Oleic Sunflower Oils, Mortierella Alpina Oil (ARA), and Crypthecodinium Cohnii Oil (DHA). These are sources of essential fats which aid in your baby’s brain development.
Nan AR contains Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil, and Low Erucic Rapeseed Oil, which deliver essential fats for your baby’s growth and development. Together, they balance omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids—the building blocks of your baby’s brain cells.
Nan AR comes on top regarding fat content because it does not use palm olein like Enfamil.
While organically grown palm oil has its place and benefits, palm olein is a more processed version of palm oil and has been linked with poor calcium absorption.
This is why we would rather avoid it if possible.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Enfamil AR: Includes dual prebiotic blend Galactooligosaccharides (GOS). Supports gut health and natural defenses.
Nan AR: Contains Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic. Aids in managing regurgitation and promoting digestion.
Prebiotics and probiotics can be very beneficial for some babies even though they are not essential ingredients in infant formula.
Enfamil AR incorporates a dual prebiotic blend called Galactooligosaccharides (GOS). GOS are non-digestible plant fibers that beneficially nourish the good bacteria in the colon. They not only foster a healthy gut flora, but they also help support your baby’s natural defenses.
Nan AR, however, contains a unique probiotic called Lactobacillus reuteri. This probiotic has been researched for its potential benefits in managing infant regurgitation and promoting a healthy digestive system.
Best Places to Buy Enfamil AR and NAN AR
Enfamil AR
Nestle NAN AR
Buy NAN AR in Baby Formula Store
What are the best alternatives to Enfamil AR and NAN AR?
Even though Enfamil AR and NAN AR are good quality formulas, there are better options in the market, in our opinion.
These are our top recommended alternatives:
Hipp Anti-Reflux: This organic formula is known for its anti-reflux property, making it a solid equivalent for Enfamil AR and Nan AR. It boasts a prebiotic and probiotic blend that stimulates the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Plus, it’s organic – no synthetic preservatives, sweeteners, or additives.
Hipp Comfort: If your baby’s digestive issues extend past frequent spit-up, Hipp Comfort can aid you. It is specially designed to treat various types of digestive problems. Hipp Comfort also includes the luxury of a probiotic and prebiotic blend alongside being organic.
*Read: Hipp Anti-Reflux vs Comfort
Last Words
We hope this comparison between Enfamil AR and Nan AR has helped you.
We still recommend you read more about the alternatives before you make a decision.
Happy feeding!
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!
