Parents have turned to the alternative formula Neocate as a way to provide nutrition to infants and young children. Marketed as safe and effective, parents who have come to rely on Neocate have voiced concern about whether or not the formula could expose children to risks like hypophosphatemia. This nutritional deficiency can harm growing bones, leading to reports of unexpected bone fractures in infants.

What is Neocate?

Neocate is a popular alternative baby formula manufactured by Nutricia North America. This baby formula is meant to be a food option for infants and babies with allergies and intolerances. In order to eliminate allergic reactions or other problems for these babies, Neocate has been broken down into amino acids. Nutricia markets Neocate as “nutritionally complete for infants 0–12 months,” and capable of supporting “normal growth and development.”

What Does Research Show Regarding Use of Neocate?

Research has indicated that there could be a correlation between use of Neocate, a hypoallergenic infant formula, and the development of rickets or bone fractures. Research to determine the gravity of the risk is ongoing.

What Is Hypophosphatemia?

Hypophosphatemia is a medical condition that refers to an abnormally low phosphate level in the blood. There are two primary forms of hypophosphatemia known as chronic hypophosphatemia and acute hypophosphatemia. Phosphate is a crucial electrolyte that assists the body with neurofunction and energy production. It also helps to build strong teeth and bones.

What Are the Symptoms of Hypophosphatemia?

Symptoms might not appear until phosphate levels drop very low. This is especially problematic for infants, who are unable to articulate their symptoms. Symptoms can include numbness, bone pain, bone fractures, appetite loss, fatigue, muscle weakness, confusion and slowed growth.

Can Neocate Cause Hypophosphatemia?

In general, hypophosphatemia is connected with defective bone mineralization and consequently the development of rickets. Healthy phosphate levels are linked to proper renal reabsorption, renal excretion, gastrointestinal absorption and dietary intake.

A 2017 Yale study found that Neocate formulas were connected to low phosphate levels, serious bone disorders, vitamin D deficiencies, rickets, broken bones, and spontaneous fractures in infants and children.

Researchers believe that although Neocate has significant phosphate content, it’s formulated in a way that makes it difficult for the body to absorb it. So a diet that relies mainly or solely on Neocate could result in a phosphate deficiency that increases the risk of bone fractures. Some parents who have used the Neocate baby formula have complained that they were not properly warned that bone fractures in infants could develop because Neocate caused low phosphate levels.

Diabetic ketoacidosis, severe burns, alcoholism, chronic diarrhea, vitamin D deficiency, and severe malnutrition have all been linked to hypophosphatemia.

What are Other Neocate Side Effects?

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

Who Uses Neocate Formula?

Neocate formula is a formula specifically recommended for infants and children who struggle with natural foods or other types of formula. These include children with a soy allergy, cow milk allergy, multiple food allergies or short bowel syndrome.

Are There Any Warnings on Neocate About These Risks?

According to a growing number of parent consumers bringing forward complaints about Neocate, the only warning given about bone disorders and fractures was a March 2016 statement that children who were using Neocate formula should be routinely monitored by clinicians.

According to many of these parents, this was not an adequate warning regarding the possibility of developing hypophosphatemia and other serious side effects, including rickets. If this applies to you, you could have grounds to participate in a Neocate class action lawsuit investigation.

Can I File a Neocate Lawsuit?

A growing number of consumers are claiming that Neocate baby formula does not adequately replace traditional formula for infants, and can lead to serious side effects in young children exposed to it, and in some cases may even cause permanent damage.

If your child was fed Neocate baby formula and has since suffered from broken bones, rickets, or other Neocate side effects, you may be able to file a lawsuit and receive compensation.

Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the damage caused by these complications, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork  by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.