A link between Neocate and rickets has become a major concern to the general public, as many infants and toddlers rely on the alternative formula.

Researchers report that the phosphate in Neocate is not easily absorbed by the body. Without adequate phosphate, bones, may not develop properly.

Several children have reportedly suffered serious injuries from the Neocate and rickets association, including a family from Mississippi.

Reportedly, the father was put under investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS) after unexplained fractures were discovered in his son, who was fed Neocate formula through a feeding tube due to cerebral palsy.

The father found out about the alleged correlation between Neocate and rickets after his daughter saw a television advertisement. Officials realized that the formula could have been the cause of his son’s injury.

Neocate is an amino acid based formula typically fed to children who cannot tolerate dairy or soy milk products. Manufacturer Nutricia North America markets Neocate as “hypoallergenic” and “nutritionally complete for infants 0-12 months” and claims that the product “supports normal growth and development.”

However, a recent study in the medical journal Bone in 2017 revealed that Neocate formula had an association with low phosphate levels in the blood. This condition is known as hypophosphatemia, which is can cause bone density levels to drop to dangerous levels and can cause skeletal deformities, stunted growth, broken bones, and rickets.

Researchers discovered that a number of children who were suffering from the effects of hypophosphatemia had been fed the Neocate formula.

Overview of Neocate and Rickets Correlation

According to the results of the study published in Bone, approximately 51 children were found to be suffering from the effects of low blood phosphorous levels, with the results showing that 94 percent of the children suffering from serious conditions like rickets and other low bone density issues.

Rickets is usually caused by a vitamin D deficiency and less commonly by low phosphorous levels. It causes soft bones and bone deformity. Phosphorous is a vital part of bone growth and cellular function, so it can ultimately led to issues like bowed legs, breastbone projection, and thickened wrists.

The study ultimately concluded that giving the children a new formula and supplemental phosphorous might help mitigate the long term effects of low blood phosphorous levels, but parents should do so cautiously to prevent negative health consequences.

Researchers also recommended that parents with children being fed Neocate or other elemental formulas should monitor their child’s “mineral metabolism.”

According to an earlier 2002 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, researchers found that calcium and phosphorous were “co-dependent” for the development of healthy bones. Essentially, the study found that phosphorous maximized the benefits of calcium and ultimately resulted in healthy bone growth.

Children who are suffering from the effects of Neocate and rickets may be suffering from the effects of irregular breathing patterns, diminished appetite, muscular fatigue, and weight fluctuations. Neocate products that may be associated with low blood phosphorous levels include:

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