Infant formula Neocate has been linked to an increased risk of rickets among children who rely upon Neocate as their primary source of nutrition.

Neocate by Nutricia is promoted as a hypoallergenic source of nutrition that’s suitable for children with multiple food allergies and other digestive issues. Neocate infant formula is made of proteins that are already broken down into their amino acid form.

Nutricia says Neocate Syneo Infant formula has added “nucleotides & DHA/ARA” and is dairy free and soy oil free. The products allegedly are made in a dairy protein-free facility with no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners.

Even though Neocate is advertised as “nutritionally complete,” a study from Yale University and the Mayo Clinic found 94 percent of 51 children who had been fed the elemental formula as their primary source of food developed rickets, experienced broken bones, or tested low for phosphate levels.

Fortunately, a majority of the infants and toddlers who were diagnosed with severe phosphate deficiencies after being on a steady diet of infant formula Neocate improved once they received an additional phosphate supplement or switched to a different formula altogether.

Prior to the realization that Neocate’s phosphates were not being properly absorbed, most of the skeletal deformities had been attributed to an underlying disease.

Problems with Infant Formula Neocate

Neocate infant products are allegedly fortified with phosphorous, but for some reason, researchers say the children’s systems are not effectively absorbing the phosphorous. The mineral seems to be lacking the bioavailability that would enable it to effectively fortify bone growth.

Doctors have known since 2002 that phosphorous is just as important to strong, fully developed bones as calcium. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition published a study that year that indicated a co-dependency between calcium and phosphorous. Adequate amounts of phosphorous provide a boost to the strengthening effects of calcium.

Rickets is usually caused by a lack of calcium, but also can be seen with a severe lack of phosphorous. A baby with rickets might have floppy limbs or a protruding breast bone. Bones may break easily and the baby might experience uncontrollable muscle spasms.

A toddler with rickets might become bow-legged or knock-kneed, appear small for his age, be underweight or experience bone pain. Blood tests can determine if a lack of phosphorous is to blame.

The father of one child who had been on a strict Neocate diet became the subject of an investigation by Mississippi’s Child Protective Services. The man’s 10-year-old son with cerebral palsy suffered several fractures, which led the state’s child protection agency to suspect child abuse.

The boy had received a diet primarily consisting of Neocate that is fed to him through a feeding tube. A bone density test proved he had brittle bones due to an excessively low level of phosphorous.