NAN EXCELLAPRO 1 vs NAN PRO 1 vs LACTOGEN PRO 1 - What's the difference?
If you've been researching infant formulas, you've likely come across three names: NAN EXCELLAPRO PRO, NAN PRO, and LACTOGEN PRO. All three offer a Stage 1 formula designed for infants up to 6 months. But their on-pack ingredient profiles are not identical.
This page presents only what is stated on each product's Stage 1 label - no recommendations, no rankings. For each ingredient, we've included a brief note on what it does in the body, so you can walk into your next pediatrician visit with more informed questions.
Important: Breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for infants and is always the first recommendation. This comparison is issued in public interest, for information purposes only, and for parents who, under medical guidance, are considering or already using infant formula. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your health care provider for guidance.
How Nestlé NAN EXCELLAPRO 1, Nestlé NAN PRO 1 and Nestlé LACTOGEN PRO 1 Differ
All the 3 infant formula milk are stage 1 and relevant for baby up to 6 Months. Lets look at their labels to understand the differences-
On-Pack Attribute | Nestlé NAN EXCELLAPRO 1 | Nestlé NAN PRO 1 | Nestlé LACTOGEN PRO 1 |
Whey Protein (%) | 70% of total protein | 70% of total protein | 65% of total protein |
Probiotic | L. reuteri | L. reuteri | L. reuteri |
Prebiotics & Fibers |
| - | GOS, FOS |
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) | 5 HMOs at 1.5 g/L (2'-Fucosyllactose, Difucosyllactose, | — | — |
DHA & ARA | Yes | Yes | No |
Energy / Carbohydrates (kcal per 100g powder) | 469 kcal | 467 kcal | 469 kcal |
| Vitamins and Minerals | See the table below | See the table below | See the table below |
Ingredient Basics: What Each On-Pack Ingredient Means
Below is a general educational context on why each nutrient matters during 0-6 months of baby's age. However, always talk to your pediatrician to understand the needs of your baby.
Whey Protein - Why does it matters?
Protein is one of the most essential building blocks of your baby's growth. It supports physical growth by helping in the formation, repair and growth of tissues, and aiding muscle development.2-6
Milk protein is made up of two components - whey and casein7. Whey protein forms softer curds in the stomach and is generally considered easier to digest8-9, which is especially relevant for newborns whose digestive systems are still maturing. Your pediatrician can help you understand more about this and its suitability for you and your baby.
A higher whey-to-casein ratio on the label can serve as an indicator of how gentle the formula may be on your baby's tummy.
When reading the pack, look for the whey percentage - it tells you how much of the total protein comes from the more easily digestible whey fraction.
Probiotics- What are these?
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that, when present in adequate amounts, support a normal gut environment.10-12
In newborns, a well-balanced gut can help with common early-life concerns like colic, fussiness, and digestive discomfort.
From the moment of birth, a baby's gut begins to be colonised by billions of microorganisms, and the balance of this gut microbiome plays a role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and the development of the immune system- which is why the role of probiotics in infant nutrition is an active area of pediatric research.
Prebiotics & Fibers- Why do prebiotics matter?
If probiotics are the "good bacteria," prebiotics are the food that helps these “good bacteria” thrive.
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that selectively nourish the beneficial bacteria (probiotics) already present in your baby's gut, helping them grow and maintain a normal balance.13
In the first six months, when your baby's gut microbiome is still being established, prebiotics can play a supportive role in building a foundation for normal digestion and immune development. The most common types of prebiotic fibers are GOS (Galacto-oligosacchrides) and FOS (Fructo-oligosacchrides).14 Check the label to see what type of prebiotic, if any, is listed, and speak with your pediatrician about what's relevant for your baby.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)- What are HMOs?
HMOs are complex sugars naturally found in breast milk.16
Research has identified that HMOs serve multiple functions: they act as prebiotics that feed beneficial gut bacteria, they may help support the development of the immune system function, and they are believed to play a role in protecting against certain infections too, in turn protect against diseases.15-18
Your pediatrician can help you understand more about this and its suitability for you and your baby.
DHA & ARA - What are DHA and ARA and why is it important?
DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) helps important for supporting brain development and visual function, while ARA (Arachidonic acid) supports normal growth and is involved in immune signaling. 19,22-24
The first six months of life are a period of rapid brain growth - a baby's brain nearly doubles in size during the first year.
DHA and ARA are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that play a key role in this critical window. Both are naturally present in breast milk and are considered important components of early nutrition by global health and nutrition bodies. Discuss with your pediatrician how these fatty acids factor into your baby's specific nutritional needs.
Vitamins & Minerals
In the first six months, your baby is entirely dependent on milk for every nutrient. Vitamins are essential organic compounds that the body cannot produce in sufficient amounts on its own - they must come from the diet. Each vitamin plays a distinct and critical role in your baby's growth, from brain wiring to bone building to immune defense.
Vitamin | Why Your Baby Needs It | On-Pack Amount (per 100g powder)* | Present In |
Vitamin A | Supports normal vision, skin development, and plays a key role in immune function..27,29,30 | 350–389 mcg | ✔ All 3 formulas |
Vitamin D | Critical for calcium absorption and bone mineralisation..31 | 5–5.56 mcg | ✔ All 3 formulas |
Vitamin E | Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress. Supports normal skin and plays a role in immune defence.27,32 | ~2.5 mg | ✔ All 3 formulas |
Vitamin K | Essential for normal blood clotting.33 | ~7.5 mcg | ✔ All 3 formulas |
Vitamin C | Supports iron absorption from the gut, helps build collagen for normal skin and connective tissue, and acts as an antioxidant supporting immune health.27,34-36 | 25–27.8 mg | ✔ All 3 formulas |
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | Helps convert carbohydrates into energy. Important for the normal functioning of the nervous system. 37 | ~0.2 mg | ✔ All 3 formulas |
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | Supports energy metabolism and helps maintain normal skin and eyes.38,39 Also involved in the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates for growth.40 | ~0.45 mg | ✔ All 3 formulas |
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | Plays a role in energy production and supports the normal function of the digestive system, skin, and nervous system.41-43 | 3.8–4 mg | ✔ All 3 formulas |
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | Involved in the synthesis of coenzyme A, which is essential for fatty acid metabolism.44 | ~3.3 mg | ✔ All 3 formulas |
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | Supports brain development and helps the body make neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.45,46 Also plays a role in haemoglobin production.46 | ~0.11 mg | ✔ All 3 formulas |
Vitamin B12 | Essential for red blood cell formation and neurological development.47,48 | ~0.25 mcg | ✔ All 3 formulas |
Folic Acid | Supports cell division and DNA synthesis - also critical for normal red blood cell production.47,49,50 | ~15 mcg | ✔ All 3 formulas |
So Which Baby Formula Milk is Right for My Baby?
This comparison covers only what is stated on the product label and general information about each nutrient. While all formula is adequate from a regulatory standpoint, the right formula for your baby depends on their individual needs, growth, and health - factors that only your pediatrician can assess fully. Use this page to understand the differences. And always consult your pediatrician to make the right decision for your little one.
Tell us what you think
Important Notice for parents
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional.
Disclaimer: Mothers are informed that breast milk, especially the yellowish colostrum secreted in the first week after delivery, is highly nutritious and contains more protein, anti-infective properties, and Vitamin A. Breast milk is a complete food for the first six months, protects against infections, is always available, and requires no preparation. It is also more economical than infant milk substitutes.
Breastfeeding immediately after delivery helps the womb contract and supports the mother in regaining her figure quickly. Frequent suckling and maternal confidence are key to success. Mothers should be encouraged and supported, with proper care of breasts during pregnancy. Infants should be breastfed as soon as possible after birth, and mother and child should stay together (rooming-in). Colostrum must be given and not discarded in favor of sugar water or other substitutes. Infants should be fed on demand, and hygiene for both mother and child must be maintained.
References
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