The families of infants suffering from low phosphate levels have sought attorneys to file a Neocate lawsuit.

Neocate by Nutricia is a baby formula designed for infants who can’t tolerate milk or soy formulas. Nutricia promotes Neocate as an elemental formula, which means the proteins are already broken down into amino acids.

Neocate added a disclaimer of sorts to its formula in March 2016, which says the formula is “a specially formulated medical food and should only be used under medical supervision.”

The disclaimer doesn’t say why medical supervision is recommended. No mention is made of Neocate potentially causing low phosphate levels that could affect bone growth or result in the baby developing rickets. In fact, the website says Neocate is “nutritionally complete for infants 0-12 months – supports normal growth and development.”

Potential for Neocate Lawsuit

Neocate allegedly falls short of supporting normal growth and development, according to the NCBI and a study published in the April 2017 issue of Bone medical journal. Researchers from Yale University and the Mayo Clinic determined that 94 percent of 51 infants who had been on a steady diet of Neocate infant formula developed rickets, broken bones or at the minimum, tested below normal on phosphate levels.

Rickets traditionally has been linked to calcium deficiencies caused by a lack of vitamin D, but in 2002, research was published that shed light on the importance of phosphorous to bone development and bone strength.

Symptoms of rickets are affiliated with weak, soft bones. Infants and toddlers might experience stunted growth, poor appetite, bone pain, bowed legs or knock-kneed and be underweight. Other symptoms are a projecting breastbone or thickened wrists and ankles. Blood tests determine either low calcium or low phosphorous levels in the body.

Babies with rickets may have softer bones of the skull, which may result in a delay of the closure of the soft spots, also called fontanels. A baby with rickets might also show a lack of control of their arms and legs, leading to floppy limbs. They also might develop a visible horizontal line on the chest where the diaphragm attaches to the ribs, a condition called Harrison’s groove.

In severe cases, rickets can induce cramps, seizures, breathing problems or weakened heart muscles.

Even though Neocate has added phosphate, the mineral does not appear to be in a bioavailable form. This means the infant formula has added phosphorous of some type, but the human body does not absorb the mineral correctly.

The medical term for low phosphate levels is hypophosphatemia.

Parents of children who have been on a steady diet of Neocate and have suffered from low phosphate levels and are interested in filing a Neocate lawsuit could benefit from speaking with an experienced attorney. The Neocate lawsuit investigation currently is looking at the following products:

• Neocate Syneo Infant
• Neocate Infant DHA/ARA
• Neocate Nutra
• Neocate Junior
• Neocate Junior with Probiotics
• Neocate Splash

Because the severity of low phosphate levels varies, some children might suffer from permanent deformities. Others might experience their bones rebounding after starting on a different, more bioavailable formula. Still other children might need surgery to correct their skeletal issues. A Neocate lawsuit can help you and your family receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and more.