NEC Baby Formula - Increased Risk for NEC with the Consumption of Bovine Formula Products

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a disease that affects the intestine of premature and low-weight infants.  In NEC, bacteria attacks the wall of the intestine, leading to local infection which can destroy the wall of the bowel, potentially leading to perforation of the bowel wall and spillage of the bowel’s contents into the baby’s abdomen. This can cause serious health problems, and potentially death.

Symptoms of NEC include:

● Bloating or swelling of the stomach

● Discoloration of the stomach

● Pain

● Blood in stools

● Diarrhea

● Lethargy

● Greenish/yellow vomit

Since 1990 it has been document that formula fed babies have up to a 10 times greater risk of developing NEC than those fed breast milk alone.  Studies since then have repeatedly shown the link between formula feeding and an increased risk for NEC in preterm babies.

Despite the clear science linking the increased risk for NEC with the consumption of bovine formula products, companies such as Similac (Abbot Laboratories) and Enfamil (Mead Johnson Nutrition Company) have specifically marketed bovine formula products for consumption by premature babies.  These products contain no warning of the increased risk of NEC associated with the consumption of the products despite the fact that alternatives exist.

If your baby was born premature, was given formula while in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and is suffering from Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) or has died from complications of NEC you should be aware that you may be entitled to bring a lawsuit to hold the manufacturers of the baby formula accountable. Individual lawsuits are being filed against the manufacturers of these formula companies, and in order to make a claim you will need to take action. If you would like to discuss your rights contact us today.