Emily Sortor  |  July 1, 2020

Category: Baby Products

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Possible correlation between Neocate and broken bones

The baby formula Neocate is a hypoallergenic alternative to traditional baby formulas and is advertised as offering all the necessary nutrients for infants.

However, a number of serious side effects have been linked with Neocate use because of certain nutritional problems in the formula.

What Is Neocate?

Neocate baby formula is manufactured by Nutricia North America. In order to ensure that the formula does not cause allergic reactions or intolerance, Neocate is an elemental formula, and is broken down into amino acids. According to the UNC Pediatic Feeding Team, proteins that are broken down are thought to be easier for babies to process.

Nutricia markets Neocate as “nutritionally complete for infants 0–12 months,” supporting normal growth and development.

Does Neocate Cause Broken Bones?

Neocate is advertised as a formula that gives babies the complete nutritional profile they need for development. However, research has shown that there is a correlation between the use of Neocate and broken bones, as well as other side effects.

A 2017 study at Yale showed a link between Neocate and broken bones, low phosphate levels, rickets, spontaneous fractures, and serious bone disorders. According to the study, the phosphate present in Neocate was not in a form that is easy to be absorbed by babies.

The risk of bone issues was high, according to the study. Indeed, 94 percent of the 51 children involved in the Neocate study (with Neocate as their primary food source) developed rickets, suffered fractures, or showed low phosphate levels.

Nutritional deficiencies that may be caused by Neocate include hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia. Hypophosphatemia (or low phosphate levels) can cause bone pain, fractures, or stunted growth. When children suffer from low phosphate levels, they are often given phosphate supplements, which in turn can lead to hypocalcemia, causing problems like pain, fragility, poor development, and fractures.

The Yale study showed that participants who switched to a non-Neocate formula showed immediate improvement in both their phosphate and calcium levels and, over time, improvement in their skeletal development.

Neocate has been associated with fractures and other side effects, but a causal relationship hasn’t yet been firmly established.

Why Is Phosphorous Important?

Phosphate is essential to bone development. In fact, it is just as important to healthy bone development as other nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Bones are composed of over 50 percent phosphorous.

Speaking to the importance of phosphorus in bone health, a study in the American College of Nutrition notes that together, calcium and phosphorous make up around 80 to 90 percent of bone.  

Because the phosphate in Neocate may not be able to be absorbed, babies’ bones may not be able to develop normally.

Who Uses Neocate?

Neocate is advertised as a hypoallergenic formula for infants and children who cannot take a traditional formula for a variety of reasons. These infants may have a cow milk or soy allergy, multiple food protein intolerances (MFPI), eosinophilic esophagitis, or short bowel syndrome.

What Are Other Possible Side Effects of Neocate?

Side effects that have been associated with Neocate baby formula include:

  • Broken bones
  • Rickets
  • Skeletal deformities
  • Stunted growth
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Hypophosphatemia (low blood phosphate levels)
  • Long-term skeletal damage

Can Babies Recover from Hypophosphatemia?

Parents may worry about the long-term effects of hypophosphatemia. Because bone development is so important to a child’s growth, parents may worry that their child’s growth may be permanently stunted.

broken-bonesHowever, the Yale study did offer positive information, suggesting that the possible effects of Neocate may not be permanent.

The study reportedly indicated that that when babies were switched from Neocate to another formula whose phosphate was more easily absorbed, their conditions linked to hyphophsopshatemia, like broken bones in infants and other conditions, could possibly be improved. Reportedly, many children who were part of the study did indeed improve after being switched to another formula.

However, this improvement may not be possible in all cases.

Can I File a Neocate Lawsuit?

If your child has taken Neocate baby formula and has subsequently suffered from rickets, fractures, or other Neocate complications, you may be able to file a Neocate lawsuit and receive compensation.

Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the damage done by Neocate side effects, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Top Class Actions can connect you with an experienced attorney to determine if you have a case and guide you through the litigation process.

The Clarion Ledger reports on one instance in which a child’s broken bones, allegedly caused by Neocate, were first blamed on the father. According to the news source, a Mississippi father fed his child Neocate. Reportedly, the child had cerebral palsy, and suffered multiple fractures, including in his wrist and femur.

These fractures prompted Child Protective Services to look into the incidents. Around the same time, the father said that he viewed information indicating that Neocate could be linked to bone fractures, and began to put the piece together.

The Clarion Ledger stresses in the article that this may not be the first time that an instance of hypophosphatemia — low phosphate levels — have led to broken bones and was misinterpreted as an instance of child abuse. 

Experts recommend that makers of formulas keep a close eye on minerals present in their formulas, and study the positive or negative effects of these essential products. Well-meaning parents left confused and worried over their child’s unexplained broken bones may be able to identify a link between these fractures and their child’s foods. 

Some consumers claim that the Neocate formula cannot adequately replace traditional formula, and serious side effects can result from the use of this hypoallergenic alternative, which may cause infants permanent damage.

Filing a lawsuit may be a way to hold formula makers accountable, get compensation that can help with medical bills, medication, and care for a child affected by hypophosphatemia and broken bones. Additionally, parents may seek to file a lawsuit if they have been affected by inaccurate accusations of child abuse when instances of broken bones were not abuse at all, but a case of hypophospshatemia. 

Join a Free Neocate Infant Formula Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you have a child that takes Neocate and has suffered from bone fractures or other Neocate side effects such as rickets, you may qualify to join this Neocate lawsuit investigation. Fill out the form on this page for a free case evaluation.

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