NEC and Its Link to Cow’s Milk Baby Formula
Cow’s milk baby formula is a popular choice for parents when choosing what to feed their child. However, studies have shown that cow’s milk baby formula could cause health problems such as an increased risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is a serious and life-threatening condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract of premature infants. Read on to learn the causes and symptoms.
What Do Studies Say About Cow’s Milk Baby Formula?
Premature babies have an immature digestive system which can make them more susceptible to developing inflammation or infections in their gut — and lead to NEC. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) estimates that out of 480,000 premature infants born each year, 9,000 will be affected by NEC. While NEC is rare, there may be an increased risk of a premature baby developing NEC after being given milk-based infant formula. According to the National Center for Biotechnology (NCBI):
“Several studies have indicated that bovine milk-based infant formulas lead to a higher incidence of NEC in preterm infants than does human milk.”
Bovine is a growth hormone given to cows to make them mature faster and produce more milk. Read on to learn more about the latest cow’s milk baby formula recalls.
Which Cow’s Milk Baby Formula Brands Have Been Recalled?
In recent years, there have been a few cow’s milk baby formula recalls. Similac and Enfamil are two of the most popular baby formula brands on the market. However, both brands have recalled certain baby formulas in recent years for causing NEC in premature babies.
The main symptom of NEC is abdominal pain, which can be severe. Other symptoms include:
- Vomiting (green or yellow in color)
- Bloody stools
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Refusing to eat
- Lack of weight gain
- Lethargy
If your baby has any of the above symptoms, it is vital to seek medical care right away.
Did Your Baby Develop NEC? Houssiere Durant & Houssiere, LLP Can Help
If your premature baby was given Similac or Enfamil and was later diagnosed with NEC, you may be able to pursue compensation from the manufacturers. Our team of lawyers at Houssiere Durant & Houssiere, LLP is ready to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Contact our national lawyers today at (800) 914-2894 for a free consultation.
