Key Differences?
The Best One?
The comparison between Alfamino and Neocate amino acid formulas, taking into account the reviews of mothers, ingredients, nutrient value, and cost, highlights some important aspects for parents who are searching for suitable options for their infants with severe food allergies.
After analyzing all the factors, it can be concluded that both formulas have their strengths and weaknesses. While Alfamino stands out for its easy digestion, better taste, and enriched vitamin profile, Neocate offers a GMO-Free and soy-free formula with a better minerals profile and a better solution for blood in stools and reflux.
Mom’s Reviews Comparison:
According to mom’s reviews, both formulas are expensive and that’s due to the manufacturing process and the nature of the ingredients. For example, amino acid formulas contain individual amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, rather than whole proteins. The manufacturing process involved in extracting and purifying individual amino acids is more expensive than the process used to extract protein from whole food sources.
Alfamino may make the baby fussy and constipated for almost a week but after that, he will be regulated. So, if you are willing to try it give it some time. Also, many moms claim that the powder doesn’t dissolve well.
However, Alfamino makes babies gain weight quickly thanks to Medium Chain Triglycerides which constitute 43% of its fat blend. Also, the taste and smell are less bad than other amino acid formulas.
Neocate has claimed that their formula is GMO-free whereas Alfamino didn’t claim that.
Related: Neocate or Puramino: Which One is The Best for Your Baby?
Ingredients Comparison:
Alfamino and Neocate are both amino acid-based formulas designed for infants with severe food allergies, intolerances, or other gastrointestinal disorders. While both formulas provide complete nutrition, there are differences in their ingredients:
Protein Source:
Alfamino and Neocate have the same protein source which is free amino acids to make them hypoallergenic, easy to digest to not elicit any allergic responses.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, they are individual units of protein that have been broken down into their simplest form. Amino acids used in baby formula are usually in the form of free amino acids (FAA) or partially hydrolyzed proteins (PHP). Free amino acids are individual amino acids that have been isolated and purified.
Carbohydrate Source:
Both formulas use corn syrup solids as the primary source of simple carbohydrates to provide energy for the infant. Moreover, corn syrup is used in amino acid formulas because of its easiness of absorption and digestion by infants.
However, Alfamino uses potato starch to provide a source of complex carbohydrates that can be easily digested and absorbed by infants.
Potato starch can also act as a thickening agent in the formula, which can improve the texture and consistency of the formula.
Related: EleCare Vs Neocate: Full Comparison (With Charts)
Fat Source:
Alfamino and Neocate use a blend of vegetable oils as a source of fat, but the specific oils used are slightly different:
Neocate has sunflower oil and canola oil among fat sources whereas Alfamino has soy oil and high 2-palmitic vegetable oil.
Furthermore, 43% of Alfamino’s fats are from Medium Chain Triglycerides while the percentage in Neocate is 33%.
MCTs are quickly and easily absorbed by the body and are transported directly to the liver, where they can be rapidly converted into energy. This makes them an excellent source of energy for infants who may have difficulty digesting other types of fat.
In amino acid-based formulas, MCTs can help provide additional calories and energy to support the growth and development of infants. They can also improve the absorption of other nutrients in the formula, such as calcium and magnesium.
That’s why many moms claim that their babies gain weight quickly on Alfamino formula.
Lastly, Both formulas have DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid) which are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, respectively, that play important roles in the development of infants.
DHA is a major component of the brain and the retina, and it is important for the growth and development of these organs. ARA, on the other hand, is important for the growth and development of the immune system.
Related: Puramino Vs Alfamino: Which One is The Best?
Nutrition Comparison:
Both Neocate and Alfamino are infant formulas based on amino acids and provide essential vitamins and minerals required for the growth and development of infants. Although both formulas are nutritionally complete and contain similar vitamins and minerals, there may be some differences in specific nutrient levels that should be taken into account:
Vitamins:
Both formulas are fortified with a range of vitamins, including vitamins D, C, B6, B12, and Inositol. However, the specific amounts and ratios of these nutrients may differ between the two formulas. For example, Alfamino contains higher amounts of vitamins A, C, E, K, B1, B2, Niacin, Folic acid, Pantothenic acid, and Choline, while Neocate contains more vitamins B6, D, Inositol, and Biotin.
Thus, Alfamino is enriched with vitamins more than Neocate.
Related: Elecare Vs Alfamino: Full Comparison (With Charts)
Minerals:
Both Alfamino and Neocate are also enriched with minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and sodium. However, Neocate is fortified with mineral levels more than Alfamino. Also, Neocate has two components that are missing in the other formula which are chromium and Molybdenum.
“Chromium is essential for maintaining normal glucose metabolism,” says pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
“Molybdenum works in the body to break down proteins and other substances,” says WebMD
Price and Size Comparison:
In terms of price, Neocate and Alfamino are expensive due to their unique formulation and availability. Furthermore, they have the same size (14.1 oz). The price of Alfamino is 44.05$ (3.12 /oz) while Neocate is available now only in packs of 4 which cost 168.90$ (2.99 /oz).
You can buy Neocate from Amazon HERE and Alfamino from Amazon HERE.
Overall, while the cost of Alfamino and Neocate amino acid formulas may be higher than regular infant formulas, they provide a necessary and valuable option for parents whose infants require specialized nutrition. The cost is also a reflection of the high-quality ingredients, specialized manufacturing processes, and rigorous testing and quality control procedures that go into producing these formulas.
Switching Between Alfamino and Neocate:
Transitioning between Alfamino and Neocate formulas is feasible since they are both amino acid-based and contain similar protein and carbohydrate sources. Nevertheless, in order to prevent any potential digestive issues and to guarantee that the infant is getting the correct nutrients, it is advisable to introduce the new formula gradually over several days or weeks.
Related: Gerber Extensive HA VS Neocate: What’s The Difference?
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