How Infant Formula May Impact Your Baby's Health

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) might sound like a mouthful, but it's a serious condition that affects newborns, especially those born prematurely. In simple terms, NEC causes inflammation and damage in a baby's intestines, which can be life-threatening. Sadly, babies who survive NEC may still face long-term health problems.

What is NEC?

Imagine NEC as a sneaky intruder that can strike without warning. It mainly targets preemies, who already have fragile digestive systems. As NEC progresses, it can cause holes in the intestines, leading to infections that require urgent surgery and, in some cases, can even be fatal. Even survivors of NEC may deal with issues like narrow intestines or difficulties absorbing nutrients.

Insights from Studies

New research suggests a possible connection between infant formula, especially those made from cow's milk, and a serious condition called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). One important study found that premature babies who were exclusively fed human milk-based formulas were much less likely to develop NEC requiring surgery compared to those given formulas containing cow's milk.

A study published in 2009 in the Journal of Pediatrics evaluated the health benefits of an exclusively human milk-based diet compared to a diet with both human milk and cow’s milk-based products in extremely premature infants. The results showed that preterm babies fed an exclusively human milk-based diet were 90% less likely to develop surgical NEC as compared to a diet that included some cow’s milk-based products.

In 2011, the U.S. Surgeon General released a report stating that premature infants who are not breastfed are 138% more likely to develop NEC.

Another study in 2017, conducted by the American Society for Nutrition, compared the results from two randomized clinical trials on preterm infants with severely low weight (between 500 and 1250 grams at birth) and compared the effect of cow’s milk-based preterm infant formula to human milk as to the rate of NEC.

While the study noted that cow’s milk-based preterm formulas provided consistent calories and were less expensive than human milk-based products, the cow’s milk-based products significantly increase the risk of NEC and death.

Reducing NEC risk

Parents prioritize their baby's safety above all else. While breastfeeding or using donated human milk is ideal for reducing NEC risk, it's not always feasible. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals on the safest formula choices is essential. With proper advice, parents can make informed decisions to protect their baby's health.

Certain cow's milk-based formulas have faced scrutiny for potentially increasing NEC risk. Legal actions against manufacturers like Abbott Laboratories (Similac) and Mead Johnson & Company (Enfamil) allege inadequate warning about associated risks, prompting awareness about formula safety.

NEC Baby Formula Lawsuits: Holding Manufacturers Accountable

Parents who have filed lawsuits against Mead Johnson and Abbott Laboratories, the makers of Enfamil and Similac, claim that these products lack warnings about NEC as a potential side effect or proper usage guidelines. Despite the alleged risks, the companies marketed their formulas as safe and beneficial for premature infants.

These lawsuits seek compensation for significant financial losses and emotional distress resulting from their baby's injuries or death.

As of March 2024, there are 405 active lawsuits consolidated under multi-district litigation (MDL No. 3026), overseen by U.S. District Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer in Illinois. The plaintiffs allege that manufacturers like Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson & Company failed to disclose the heightened risk of NEC associated with their products.

While the litigation is in its early stages, there have been no settlements or bellwether trials yet.

Exploring legal options: Seeking justice for your child

If your baby developed NEC after consuming formula containing cow's milk from manufacturers like Abbott Laboratories or Mead Johnson & Company, legal recourse may be available. Your family could potentially pursue compensation for the alleged failure to disclose information about the risks associated with these products, particularly concerning premature infants. Consulting legal experts can provide invaluable assistance in understanding the complexities of NEC litigation and advocating for justice on behalf of your child.