Key Differences Table Between Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Neuropro
| Aspect/Feature | Similac 360 Total Care | Enfamil Neuropro |
|---|---|---|
| Main Attributes | ||
| Nucleotides | Yes | No |
| Types of HMOs | 5 types | 1 type |
| Palm Olein | No | Yes |
| MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) | No | Yes |
| GMOs | No artificial growth hormones or GMOs | No artificial growth hormones or GMOs |
| Protein Content | ||
| Source | Nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate | Nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate |
| Nucleotides (special amino acids) | Yes | No |
| MFGM for cognitive growth | No | Yes |
| Whey-to-casein ratio | 48:52 | 60:40 (similar to breast milk after a few weeks) |
| Carbohydrate Content | ||
| Source | Lactose | Lactose |
| Presence of starches, maltodextrin, or corn syrup solids | No | No |
| Fats and Oils | ||
| Types of oils | High oleic safflower oil, soy oil, coconut oil, C. Cohnii Oil (DHA), M. Alpina Oil (ARA) | Palm olein, coconut, soy, high oleic sunflower oils, Mortierella Alpina Oil (ARA), Schizochytrium Sp. oil (DHA) |
| Impact on calcium absorption | No palm olein | Palm Olein might hinder calcium absorption |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics | ||
| HMOs | Yes (5 types) | Yes (1 type) |
| Other Prebiotics | No | Galactooligosaccharides and Polydextrose |
| Probiotics | No | No |
This article aims to compare two popular formulas in the US: Similac 360 Total Care vs Enfamil Neuropro.
We will analyze their ingredients and nutritional compositions to help you decide which one is better for your baby.
Let’s get after it!
Related read: Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive vs Enfamil Neuropro Gentlease
Our Short Answer
This is one of the most complicated comparisons we have ever written.
After analyzing the ingredients and qualities of both, these are the key aspects to evaluate.
Similac 360 Total Care:
- Has Nucleotides
- Has 5 types of HMOs
- Does not contain Palm Olein (Enfamil does)
Enfamil Neuropro:
- Contains MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane)
- Has Palm Olein
Given these differences, our winner is Similac 360 Total Care.
Although Enfamil’s inclusion of MFGM is very beneficial, the fact that it has Palm Olein and 360 Total Care adds HMOs makes us lean toward the latter.
That said, Neuropro remains one of the brand’s best formulas.
However, if we had to choose, we would choose the formulas that appear below, in the alternatives section.
Overview of the Two Formulas
Similac 360 Total Care offers comprehensive nutrition, including human milk oligosaccharides, with no artificial growth hormones or GMOs. Enfamil Neuropro, recommended by pediatricians, focuses on cognitive development with MFGM and Omega-3 DHA, mimicking breast milk components.
Similac 360 Total Care
Similac is a brand that’s no stranger to parents worldwide, being the #1 brand fed in hospitals in the US. Its 360 Total Care formula presents itself as an all-rounder, aiming to cover all essential nutrients a growing baby would need.
From high oleic safflower oil to whey protein concentrate, human milk oligosaccharides (structurally identical to those found in breast milk), and an array of vitamins and minerals – it covers all bases. It also highlights no artificial growth hormones or GMO ingredients inside, making it seem like a wholesome choice for your little one. Though there’s more to it than meets the eye, we’ll break it down further.
Enfamil Neuropro
Enfamil Neuropro stakes its claim as a formula recommended by pediatricians nationwide. This infant formula targets cognitive development by offering a blend containing MFGM (milk fat globule membrane) and Omega-3 DHA – components typically only seen in breast milk.
Resembling Similac 360, this formula sports nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate, various healthy oils, prebiotics, plus a mix of vitamins & minerals.
Nutritional Composition
Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Neuropro both use nonfat milk and whey protein; Neuropro uniquely contains MFGM for cognitive growth. Both source carbs from lactose. Their fats differ, with Neuropro using Palm Olein oil, potentially impacting calcium absorption.
Protein Content
The protein in both Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Neuropro comes from nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate. The amino acids in these proteins are essential for growing babies as they help build new tissues and strengthen the immune system.
Similac 360 Total Care also includes nucleotides in its formula, breaking down into special amino acids once digested. These improve immune function, digestion, and cellular repair and can enhance your child’s overall health.
Enfamil Neuropro stands out by including MFGM (milk fat globule membrane composed of protein) in its formula. It’s been clinically shown to foster cognitive development—quite a unique attribute only found in a handful of formulas.
Both formulas use skim milk; the difference is in the added ingredients. In the case of protein, including MFGM is more beneficial than nucleotides. In addition, Enfamil Neuropro has a whey-to-casein ratio of 60:40 (the same as breast milk after a few weeks), and 360 Total Care has a 48:52, with more casein. All this makes us lean towards Neuropro for now.
Carbohydrate Content
Carbs play an essential role in a growing baby’s nutritional needs since they provide much-needed energy.
Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Neuropro source their carbs from lactose—just like what you’d find in natural breast milk.
It’s worth mentioning that some babies may be lactose intolerant or sensitive to lactose-based formulas. If this is the case for your little one, you might need to consider specialty formulas designed with low lactose levels.
There’s no difference in carb content. Both formulas use lactose, and there are no traces of starches, maltodextrin or corn syrup solids. This is exactly what we want to see in ordinary formulas.
Fats and Oils
Fats are essential for brain development; hence, their sources matter greatly when considering a baby formula.
Similac 360 Total Care has high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, and coconut oil along with C. Cohnii Oil (source of DHA), M. Alpina Oil (source of ARA). These oils provide essential fatty acids that aid in developing the baby’s brain, eyes, and nervous system.
Enfamil Neuropro includes palm olein, coconut, soy, and high oleic sunflower oils. It also includes Mortierella Alpina Oil (source of ARA) and Schizochytrium Sp. oil as a source of DHA. Like its counterpart, these saturated and unsaturated fats aid babies’ brain development.
The key difference when comparing fats in both formulas is Enfamil’s use of Palm Olein oil—which is known to hinder calcium absorption. That being said, this adverse effect is generally considered minimal in the grand scheme of nutrition balance. Learn more: Palm Oil in Infant Formula
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Both Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Neuropro contain HMO prebiotics for immune support; 360 Total Care has all five types, while Neuropro adds two other prebiotics. Neither formula includes probiotics for direct gut health.
Even though prebiotics and probiotics are not essential ingredients in infant formula, lots of brands include them to improve digestion and overall gut health. *Learn more: Prebiotics and probiotics in Infant Formula
In both Similac 360 Total Care you’ll find Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs). HMOs are a specific type of prebiotic that supports the immune system. Moreover, they create an environment where healthy bacteria thrive. Neuropro includes 1 type of HMO, while 360 Total Care includes all five.
Enfamil Neuropro also adds two types of prebiotics: Galactooligosaccharides and Polydextrose. This combination promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, aiding digestion.
Neither formula contains probiotics for direct gut microbiome support. If this is crucial for you, consider formulas with probiotics and prebiotics or supplementing with a trusted probiotic product suitable for infants. *Read: Best Formulas with Prebiotics and Probiotics
Best Places to Buy Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Neuropro
Similac 360 Total Care
Buy Similac 360 Total Care at Target
Buy Similac Total Care at Walmart
Enfamil Neuropro
Buy Enfamil Neuropro at Target
Buy Enfamil Neuropro at Walmart
What are the Best Alternatives to Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Neuropro?
Sure, both Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Neuropro offer comprehensive nutritional profiles, but it doesn’t hurt to look at other notable formulas out there:
- Kendamil Organic: This is our top choice thanks to its organic ingredients implementation, use of whole milk, and inclusion of MFGM and real HMOs. For us, it’s currently the best formula. *Read: Kendamil vs Similac | Kendamil vs Enfamil
- Bobbie: If you are looking for something homegrown from the US but still care about organic content, Bobbie is your best bet! It features a simple, straightforward ingredient list. *Read: Bobbie vs Similac 360 | Bobbie vs Enfamil
- Holle Bio: This gets our recommendation mainly due to its top-tier organic ingredients produced under Demeter Certification standards, ensuring Biodynamic farming protocol adherence – you can ensure utmost purity here! *Read: Holle vs Similac | Holle vs Enfamil
- Hipp Dutch: This formula is impressive for its outstanding blend of prebiotics and probiotics derived from authentic breast milk cultures. *Read: Hipp vs Similac | Hipp vs Enfamil
Last Words
We hope this comparison between Similac 360 Total Care and Enfamil Neuropro helps you make the best decision for your baby. As always, we recommend you to read about the alternatives above before you commit to a formula.
For further questions, comment below or contact us through our homepage.
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!
