Neocate formula side effects may include bone fractures and skeletal problems, according to recent allegations.

An April 2018 article in the Clarion Ledger detailed allegations by a concerned Mississippi father whose child sustained broken bones leading to accusations of child abuse. These injuries are allegedly related to Neocate formula side effects.

After being investigated by Child Protective Services, the father’s adult daughter saw a commercial detailing the potential for Neocate formula side effects to cause skeletal problems and broken bones. This awoke suspicion that his son’s broken bones were a product of Neocate formula side effects, leading the family to ween their son off of the formula.

“If my daughter didn’t see that on that commercial, they’d have taken my kids away from me,” the father told the Clarion Ledger.

The 10 year old child in question was prescribed a diet of Neocate formula due to his cerebral palsy. Tests allegedly showed that the child indeed was suffering from Neocate formula side effects, including hypophosphatemia and low bone density.

Hypophosphatemia is a condition involving low phosphorus blood levels which can lead to unexplained bone breakage and rickets. Phosphorus is an essential mineral to bone health and has been shown to be as important as calcium in the development of strong bones.

Neocate formula is an elemental, amino acid formula which is often prescribed to infants and children unable to use traditional cow milk or soy formula. The hypoallergenic formula makes it a popular option for children who may have allergies but Neocate formula side effects may outweigh the benefits. Data suggests that Neocate formula side effects may include hypophosphatemia, broken bones, rickets, skeletal deformities, stunted growth, nutritional deficiencies, and long term skeletal damage.

In April 2017, a study published in Bone by researchers from Yale University and the Mayo Clinic examined hypophosphatemia in relation to Neocate formula. The study reviewed 51 cases of children who had been diagnosed with undiagnosed hypophosphatemia. Medical imaging of these children showed fractures, under-mineralization, or rickets in 94 percent of the case.

The authors involved in the study noted that many of the children examined who had experienced hypophosphatemia had diets consisting solely of Neocate formula before their symptoms developed. Some of the children examined by the study reportedly showed improvement after switching to a different formula, leading researchers to recommend careful monitoring of mineral metabolism in children taking Neocate.

Nutricia, the formula’s manufacturer, notes that the Bone study represents a relatively small number of patients experiencing bone problems as Neocate formula side effects. However, a representative gave a statement to the Clarion Ledger stating that the company has assembled a new panel of experts to review the problem. Nutricia has allegedly also given guidance to doctors about monitoring patients with bone related Neocate formula side effects.

The company has also reformulated their Neocate products to include a highly soluble phosphate.

“Recently, we began to integrate a more highly-soluble phosphate into our Neocate line of formulas. The updated formulation will begin to roll out beginning in April,” the Nutricia statement said.