NEC is a life-threatening medical condition for infants. Based on several studies, a potential link can be established between the dangerous disease NEC and cow milk-based products. This digestive issue can be developed by ingesting Enfamil and Similac, manufactured by Johnson & Company and Abbott Laboratories, respectively. The blog sheds light on the formulas linked with NEC and lawsuits regarding the issue.
How to establish your family’s right to compensation by strengthening the link between baby formula and NEC has been recommended here.
What is NEC?
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a type of digestive disease that can usually be detected in the first two or four weeks after birth. This disease is mainly found in underweight, premature, or babies with certain health conditions. In this disease, several inflammations can be found in the wall of the intestine. The cells in the gastrointestinal tract can be damaged by the effects of this disease. It may also lead to fatal complications. Though the cause of this disease can be determined, a potential link has been assumed between bovine milk-based products and NEC.
What baby formula is linked to NEC?
Based on several medical studies, a potential link between baby formula and NEC can be found. Baby formulas such as Similac and Enfamil are produced from cow milk, and some ingredients are mixed with it to provide the same nutrients found in breast milk. Though it is yet to be proved, it can be said that cow milk may increase the possibility of bacterial sepsis. The following products are linked to NEO:
- Similac NeoSure
- Similac special care 20
- Similac Special Care 24
- Similac special care 30
- Similac Special Care 24- High protein
- Similac liquid protein fortifier
- Enfamil human milk fortifier
- Enfamil 24 cal
- Enfamil NeuroPro Enfacare
In many studies, it has been found that about 90% babies suffering from NEC are fed cow milk-based formula. Pediatricians recommend breastfeeding as the best option for premature babies.
What should I do if my baby is diagnosed with NEC?
After detecting this disease, you must stop feeding milk-based formulas and complete a course of antibiotics to kill the infection. If your baby is suffering from NEC after taking milk-based formula, you can follow the following steps:
- Keep the documents of diagnosis
- Keep the medical bills of the diagnosis as well as the treatment
- Consult with an advocate for legal guidance and to claim compensation
An efficient NEC lawyer can assist you in filing a lawsuit against the manufacturers to gain compensation.
Why is baby formula linked to NEC?
As per the opinion of the surgeon general in 2021, there is a high risk of developing NEC among the premature infants who consume cow milk-based formula or fortifiers as a supplement to human milk. According to a study, the risk of NEC may be enhanced by 4.2 times after consuming the fortifier that is cow milk-based. This potential risk of NEC may lead to surgery or, in many cases, cause death by 5.1 times. A better outcome can be achieved in the infants with NEC consuming breast milk than if the infants are given fortifiers or formulas. Though the scientists can’t clarify the link between NEC and cow milk-based formula, they provide some theories about the benefits of breastfeeding for premature babies.
Baby formula manufacturers’ lawsuit
In the USA, about 350,000 babies are born prematurely. To complete the development process and weight gain, one needs to consume high-calorie foods. The manufacturers, as well as the pediatricians, are well aware of the potential risk of NEC associated with the milk-based formulas for the premature infants. Some lawsuits regarding milk-based formula and NEC are as follows:
- Case of an Infant’s Premature Death in 2023
In California, a family got $60 million as compensation for the death of their premature baby because of NEC after ingesting Similac formula. In this lawsuit, Abbott Laboratories was accused of failing to warn hospitals about the risk of milk-based formulas for premature babies.
- Similac Recall Lawsuit in 2023
Abbott Laboratories made a settlement with the parents of the babies with bacterial infection caused by Similac products for $45 million.
- Enfamil NEC Lawsuit in 2022
The parents of an affected baby in Texas filed a lawsuit against Mead Johnson, the founder of Enfamil. The lawsuit was settled for $52 million, as their newborn baby was suffering from NEC, which leads to permanent damage in the digestive system because of the product Enfamil.
Link between baby formula and NEC
In recent years, several studies and research have indicated that the baby formulas that are produced from cow milk are responsible for the risk of NEC among premature babies.
NEC causes bowel perforation, a condition in which stool and digestive fluid can escape into the bloodstream and abdominal cavity. This may lead to fatal complications. For example, Sepsis is a bacterial infection in the bloodstream. A direct connection between NEC and cow milk baby formula is not proven yet, but a correlation between them can be detected based on different studies for about 30 years.
- A study by Johns Hopkins has found that the risk of NEC can be reduced by breastfeeding premature babies.
- A report published after analysing 6 studies showed that 362% the risk of NEC is higher among the babies having cow milk formula.
- A US surgeon general exposes the harmful effects of feeding cow milk-based formula to infants.
If your baby has developed NEC after consuming the milk-based formula, you can contact us, Legal Claim Counsel, Trusted NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit Firm, for a consultation with our experienced lawyers to gain the support you deserve. We are renowned for providing complete support, confidential consultation, and personalised care.
Contact us today to protect your child’s legal rights.
Conclusion
The babies with premature birth can be affected by NEC, a digestive disease caused by consuming baby formulas like Similac and Enfamil, which contain cow milk-based formulas. According to several studies, breastfeeding has been recommended as the best source of food for premature babies or underweight babies. A detailed discussion has been included in this blog about the impact of milk-based formulas on premature infants. Here, several relevant lawsuits have been focused on. The best way has been recommended for taking steps against this activity.
