Serious Neocate formula side effects have been noted by parents who have fed the product to infants suffering from lactose intolerance and other food allergies.

This product has been linked to cases of rickets, a condition leading to fragile, brittle bones and skeletal deformities. In addition, Neocate formula has been linked to phosphorus deficiency, resulting in stunted growth, spinal pain and muscle weakness.

About Neocate Formula

According to the manufacturer’s website, Neocate infant formula products are designed for infants and young children who are allergic to cow’s milk and multiple food allergies. Neocate products are also indicated for the following conditions:

• Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOS): an autoimmune disorder affecting the esophagus
• Food Protein-induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES): an allergic reaction taking place in the digestive tract in response to certain foods
• Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS): a congenital or surgical shortening of the small intestine, making it difficult for the victim to absorb nutrients from food

Neocate  formulas and similar products are also known as “elemental formulas.”  They are synthesized from amino acids, the basic biochemical “building blocks” of protein and life itself. Such formulas lack the complex protein chains found in dairy and soy products that cause allergic reactions. They are thus easily processed and digested by those suffering from one or more of the above mentioned conditions.

Neocate, a subsidiary of Nutricia, offers a number of different products designed to address different conditions in children of varying ages.

What Went Wrong?

In 2017,  a Mississippi man was accused of physically abusing his 10-year-old son when the boy was discovered to have unexplained bone fractures. His adult daughter then saw a television ad for a litigation firm that was investigating child injuries attributed to Neocate formula side effects.

Unknown to the child’s father, those side effects had been noted earlier that year by researchers in Canada, Ireland and the US, who published their findings in the journal Bone. The study examined over 50 young children, most of whom were fed a diet consisting exclusively of Neocate formulas and had been diagnosed with phosphorus deficiency (hypophosphatemia).

Phosphorus is a vital nutrient found in meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, nuts and seeds, legumes and whole grains. It is vital to the healthy development of bones and teeth, and also plays an important  role in the utilization of fats and carbohydrates. Phosphorus deficiency results in bone disease such as rickets (normally associated with a lack of Vitamin D) and overall physical weakness; in extreme cases, it can lead to coma and even death.

The researchers found that when the affected children were given supplemental phosphorus or switched over to a different formula, their symptoms improved in most cases. However, for some children, the physiological damage is permanent.

Has Your Child Been Affected?

While Neocate does not dispute the findings of the 2017 Bone study, the company states that the health problems caused by its products have affected only a small number of children who suffer from specific disorders. Neocate has nonetheless issued guidelines to pediatricians and dietitians, advising them to carefully monitor children who are fed Neocate products, and is reportedly developing a new formula that allows for better phosphorus absorption.

If you have reason to believe your child has suffered injuries because of a Neocate formula, you may be able to take part in a Neocate formula side effects class action investigation.