Babies and children who have been on a steady diet of a certain infant formula are at risk of developing Neocate hypophosphatemia, a medical condition marked by low phosphate levels.

Neocate infant and toddler formulas are made by Nutricia, which advertises the products as “hypoallergenic” and “nutritionally complete.”

Neocate products are marketed to parents of babies and children with gastrointestinal problems or allergies to cow’s milk, soybeans and other foods. The specially made formula contains proteins that have already been broken down into amino acid form, which allegedly reduces the chance of a child experiencing an allergic reaction, intolerance or gastrointestinal upset.

Last year, a joint study by Yale University and the Mayo Clinic found that 94 percent of infants and toddlers studied who were on a steady diet of Neocate formula products developed rickets or other symptoms of Neocate hypophosphatemia. Even though Neocate appears to contain adequate phosphate levels, the nutrient purportedly is not bio-available, which means the particular type of phosphate in Neocate does not adequately absorb in the human body where it can be used to make and strengthen bone structure.

Neocate Hypophosphatemia Symptoms

Children suffering from Neocate hypophosphatemia can develop rickets, a severe low bone density that causes bones to break easily and can lead to skeletal deformities. Rickets due to a lack of phosphates is unusual because the disease is most often affiliated with a lack of vitamin D and calcium in the diet.

Some deformations of the skeletal system can become permanent, which why an early diagnosis is important. A baby suffering from rickets might have floppy limbs, uncontrollable muscle spasms, bones that break easily and a projecting breastbone. Toddlers might become bow-legged, complain of bone pain, suffer from inhibited overall growth, and be underweight. Blood tests will show low calcium and/or phosphate levels in the blood.

Because Neocate hypophosphatemia can cause bone deterioration, bones break more easily. Brittle bones with low bone density mean a toddler’s small tumbles could result in serious injury.

If left unchecked, severe cases of rickets can cause cramps, seizures, breathing problems, or weakened heart muscles.

Parents who have chosen to provide their child Neocate products are often shocked to discover their child is suffering from Neocate hypophosphatemia because the line of nutrition is promoted as nutritionally complete. Unfortunately, “nutritionally complete” does not always equal “adequately absorbed” nutrition.

Formulas associated with a possible increased risk of Neocate hypophosphatemia include the following products:

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

Because Neocate consists of amino acids, it is called an elemental formula. According to Nutricia North America’s website, Neocate is a medical food that should only be provided to children who are under medical supervision for the specialized formula.