Baby Formula Found to Increase Risk of NEC in Preterm Infants
Research has found that premature infants who are fed cow’s-milk based baby formula are at a substantially higher risk of developing a serious intestinal disease necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), than those who receive breast milk. One study concluded that extremely premature babies who are fed cow’s-milk based formula or milk fortifier have a 320 percent higher risk of developing NEC.
Studies have also found that an exclusive human milk-based diet significantly reduces the risk of NEC, however, formula companies do not warn consumers about the potential impact of their products on premature infants. Human milk-based formulas have been available to consumers since 2014, but some formula makers continue to make their products using cow’s-milk.
Lawsuits Being Filed
Cow milk based premature baby formula, has been “associated with higher rates of necrotizing enterocolitis”.
Both Abbott and Mead Johnson currently face lawsuits alleging they failed to issue warnings that their cow’s-milk based products, Enfamil and Similac, could cause NEC in premature infants. The lawsuits allege that the companies specifically targeted the parents of preterm infants with false marketing of their infant formula products, despite the fact that Abbott and Mead Johnson knew, or should have known, that the products can have a devastating impact on the health of preterm infants.
What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis?
NEC, a serious intestinal disease that occurs primarily in premature infants, develops when bacteria invades the baby’s intestinal wall, causing infection and inflammation that can ultimately destroy the child’s intestinal tissue. The diseases can permanently scar or narrow portions of the child’s intestine, leading to lifelong complications. In severe cases, NEC completely destroys the intestinal tissue, causing perforation and spillage of stool into the infant’s abdomen, which may lead to severe infection and sometimes even death.
If your child was fed cow’s-milk based formula (either exclusively or partially) and developed NEC, you might be eligible to file a personal injury case to collect monetary damages for the damages you and your child sustained. Our firm might be able to help. Give us a call or fill out the contact form here on our website.
Related: Baby Formulas Put Preterm Babies at Risk for NEC, Lawsuits Filed
Other NEC Baby Formula News
The fight for justice isn’t over—parents now get a second chance after a rare defense victory was overturned for attorney misconduct.
MDL 3026 marks a critical step toward justice for families affected by NEC-linked infant formulas. Firm Partner C. Andrew Childers advocated for swift, centralized handling of these cases.
Enfamil and Similac manufacturers face lawsuits for allegedly failing to warn parents that their premature baby formulas could increase the risk of NEC, a life-threatening condition in preemies.
A new study shows NEC risk in premature infants drops significantly when donor breast milk is used instead of cow's milk-based formula. If your child was harmed by a preterm infant formula, legal options may be available to you.
Babies fed Similac or Enfamil preterm infant formulas risk developing NEC, a dangerous intestinal disease. Lawsuits claim manufacturers didn’t warn parents.
