A 2017 study investigating a possible correlation between the anti-allergenic baby formula Neocate and the development of hypophosphatemia indicates that bone damage is one of several Neocate side effects.

The study, published in the medical journal Bone, examined 51 children from 17 institutions. The children were all diagnosed with hypophosphatemia, or abnormally low levels of phosphate in the blood. Low levels of phosphate can lead to weak and brittle bones, as well as bone pain and fractures.

Most of the children studied were on a diet consisting solely of Neocate formula. Ninety-four percent of the children in the study were found to have rickets, or a softening and weakening of their bones.

The study found that their phosphate levels were deficient, contributing to their skeletal abnormalities. When the children were given an alternate diet instead of Neocate, most of them reportedly improved. Their phosphate levels stabilized and their skeletal abnormalities began to heal.

What is Neocate?

Neocate is an amino acid-based, anti-allergenic baby formula designed for children with food allergies and nutritional malabsorption health conditions. According to Neocate’s website, the baby formula is meant for children with cow’s milk allergies, multiple food allergies, eosinophilic esophagitis, food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, short bowel syndrome, malabsorption, or problems digesting milk or soy.

Children with these conditions are unable to digest regular formulas. Neocate is marketed as a safe and healthy solution to provide them with nutrients. However, it may be that Neocate side effects cause these children to develop nutritional deficiencies.

Neocate Side Effects

Hypophosphatemia related to Neocate can cause many side effects. Aside from bone weakening, hypophosphatemia can also cause muscle weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion, irritability, and slowed or stunted growth.

There are other serious consequences related to the health problems linked to Neocate. In at least one case, Child Protective Services misinterpreted injuries due to Neocate side effects as child abuse.

In early 2018, the Clarion Ledger reported the story of a nonverbal ten year old boy from Mississippi with cerebral palsy. In December 2017, his father noticed the boy guarding his left wrist and took him to the doctor, where the child was found to have a fractured wrist. The next month, when the boy was found to have a fractured femur and his father could not explain the injuries, a child protection agency was alerted.

Following the discovery of these injuries, the boy spent over a month in the hospital to wean off Neocate. It was at this time that his phosphorus levels were tested and found to be low. The child’s father claimed that caseworkers came to their house several times a week, and called persistently to investigate him for child abuse. “There’s no harm in being investigated,” the father told the Clarion Ledger, but “they were not investigating what they should be.”

If your child suffered bone fractures or rickets after taking Neocate, you may qualify to join a Neocate side effects investigation.