Neocate is a formula prescribed for children who cannot tolerate milk or other foods. According to the manufacturer, Nutricia, “Neocate formula offers complete hypoallergenic nutrition that is tailored for kids with food allergies…”
According to a 2017 study at Yale, Neocate formulas have been linked to serious bone disorders, low phosphate levels, rickets (vitamin D deficiencies), spontaneous fractures, and broken bones in infants and children.
If your child suffered such injuries while taking Neocate, contact our experienced dangerous drugs and supplements attorneys at Goldenberg Lauricella for a free consultation. Call (800) 903-1643.
Case Quick Facts
The Problem
In 2016, Neocate’s manufacturer, Nutricia, warned that babies and children taking Neocate formula as a primary or sole source of nutrition “should be routinely monitored by clinicians.” The company did not warn about the possibility of children suffering from bone fractures due to taking the formula. According to a 2017 Yale study, 51 participants who relied solely on Neocate for nutrition showed signs of severe calcium and phosphate deficiencies in their blood. These deficiencies can lead to serious bone conditions such as rickets and fractures.
Who uses Neocate?
Neocate Formula is recommended for infants and children who suffer from:
- Cow milk allergy
- Soy allergy
- Multiple food protein intolerance (MFPI) or Multiple Food Allergies
- Eosinophilic esophagitis (GERD or food allergies)
- Short bowel syndrome and malabsorption
The Injuries
According to the 2017 study at Yale, Neocate formulas have been linked to serious bone disorders, specifically hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia.
Hypophosphatemia is a condition in which the blood has low levels of phosphates. It occurs with inadequate dietary intake and/or severe malabsorption of phosphates. Symptoms include fatigue, bone pain, bone fracture, and stunted growth in children.
Due to low phosphate levels, children are given phosphate supplements which may cause hypocalcemia, a condition in which the blood has too little calcium. Symptoms include bone issues, such as pain, fragility, and poor development in children.
Both conditions can lead to serious bone disorders, rickets (vitamin D deficiencies), spontaneous fractures, and broken bones in infants and children.
The Yale study concluded that participants who were switched to an alternative formula saw almost immediate improvement in calcium and phosphate levels and eventual improvement in skeletal development.
The Defendant(s)
The defendant is Nutricia, the manufacturer of Neocate. The Neocate products linked to bone disorders and fractures are as follows:
• Neocate Syneo Infant (0-12 months) • Neocate Infant DHA/ARA (0-12 months) • Neocate Nutra (6+ months) • Neocate Junior (1+ Years) • Neocate Junior with Probiotics (1+ Years) • Neocate Splash (1+ Years) • EO28 Splash (1+ Years)
Have there been proper warnings by the manufacturer of these dangers?
No. The only warning given to parents about bone disorders and fractures was a March 2016 statement that children using Neocate as a primary or sole source of nutrition “should be routinely monitored by clinicians.”
This is not a proper warning about the serious dangers of the product.
Goldenberg Lauricella Can Help
Our caring and experienced medical product attorneys at Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC are already working with the families of other injured children. We will help you understand your rights and choices. We are concerned for the long-term health of your child. We know you are loving parents only interested in what’s best for your child.
You and your doctor placed your faith in the manufacturer’s representations of the safety of this product. It isn’t right that the manufacturer, Nutricia, didn’t warn you or your doctor about the serious risks of using this product on your child. There are much safer alternatives.
Call us now at (800) 903-1643 for a free consultation. You will sleep better.
Free Consultations
For over 40 years, Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC has successfully litigated cases on behalf of injured children. Contact us for a free consultation, and leave the sleepless nights to us.
What is the Neocate lawsuit?
Neocate is a formula prescribed to infants and children who are unable to tolerate milk, soy, or other foods. A recent study suggests that children who rely on Neocate as their sole form of nutrition could be at risk of developing serious and debilitating bone conditions.
Who makes Neocate formula?
The manufacturer who makes Neocate formula is Nutricia. Nutricia also manufactures Aptamil formulas, Infatrini products, Nutrini/Mutrinimax/NutriniDrink products, and KetoCal products, in addition to other nutritional products for infants, children and adults. A lawsuit against Nutricia was triggered after a 2017 study found that 51 infants with hypophosphatemia, a bone disease, exclusively consumed Neocate formula.
What are the known side effects of Neocate?
Neocate formulas have been linked to serious bone disorders, specifically hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia. Both conditions can lead to serious bone disorders, rickets (vitamin D deficiencies), spontaneous fractures, and broken bones in infants and children.
Does Neocate cause rickets?
Among other bone disorders, Neocate has been linked to rickets. Neocate consumption has been linked to very low levels of phosphorus in infants. One consequence of low phosphorus can be the development of rickets, a condition marked by soft or brittle bones. It can present as pain, delayed growth, weakness, and bow legs.
Do I have a Neocate case?
If your child suffered bone fractures, rickets, or abnormally low phosphate levels while taking Neocate, you may have a case. Contact our experienced products liability attorneys at Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC for a free consultation.