Neocate is a line of infant formula products made by Nutricia North America. Designed for babies who can’t tolerate traditional milk- or soy-based formulas, Neocate milk includes proteins that are already broken down into amino acid form.

Such formulations allegedly reduce or prevent the chances of an allergic reaction or intolerance. However, a recent study revealed that 94 percent of children studied whose diet consists of Neocate milk suffered bone problems, including rickets.

Nutricia North America markets Neocate milk formulas as “hypoallergenic” and “nutritionally complete.”

Nutricia’s website specifically says its Neocate Syneo formula “is specially formulated for the dietary management of infants with cow milk allergy (CMA), multiple food allergies (MFA) and related GI and allergic conditions, including food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FOIES), eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and gastroesophageal reflux (GER).”

According to a recent joint study by Yale University and the Mayo Clinic, 94 percent of babies and toddlers in the study developed rickets or other bone development issues after a steady diet of Neocate milk. Medical journal Bone published the study that indicated infants drinking Neocate formula test low for blood phosphate levels, a condition known as hypophosphatemia.

Exceedingly low phosphate levels can cause bones to deteriorate, leading to low bone density. A growing child with hypophosphatemia can develop skeletal deformities and experience fractured bones more easily.

Rickets is the condition of weak, soft bones in children that can cause a variety of problems. Some skeletal deformities are permanent, which is why an early diagnosis is imperative. A baby with rickets often demonstrates floppy limbs, uncontrollable muscle spasms, bones that break easily and a projecting breastbone. Toddlers might appear bow-legged or knock-kneed, complain of bone pain, exhibit small stature, and be underweight. Blood tests will show low calcium levels in the blood.

In severe cases of rickets, children might have cramps, seizures, breathing problems, or weakened heart muscles.

A child suffering from low levels of phosphorous might exhibit irregular breathing, no appetite, or weak muscles. Some children with low phosphorous levels either gain or lose weight rather rapidly.

Alleged Issues with Neocate Milk

Back in 2002, research found that phosphorous is as important as calcium for bones to develop with adequate strength.

Although Neocate products apparently are fortified with an adequate amount of phosphate, the nutrient is not being adequately absorbed by the children’s bodies. The phosphate is not bio-available, which means children on a steady diet of Neocate formula are not receiving sufficient amounts of phosphorous.

In the study by Yale University and the Mayo Clinic, the bone density of most children improved once they were switched to a different formula.

Neocate milk formulas include the following different products:

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

Nutricia North America’s website for Neocate says that the formula is a medical food that should be used under medical supervision, but no mention is made of the possibility of developing rickets or other bone defects as a side effect of ingesting the products as a regular diet as intended.