How Cow-Milk-Based Baby Formula Increases the Risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in Premature Infants: A Guide for Parents & Caregivers

Nothing makes a parent happier than bringing a new baby into the world. However, the period following a child's early birth can be tumultuous and unclear. Preemies frequently need specialized medical care, including the addition of baby formula to support their development and overall health. Unfortunately, a lot of the cow's milk-based infant formulas that St. Louis parents can buy have been linked to premature infants developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

The health and wellbeing of their baby can be greatly affected by formula made with cow's milk, thus parents and other caregivers of premature infants need to be aware of the risks involved. Due to their immature digestive systems, preemies are more prone to intestinal infections like NEC, which can be fatal if not identified and treated right away. Understanding the hazards can help parents and other caregivers decide how to feed their premature babies in a way that will considerably improve the course of treatment.

What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

A dangerous medical illness that affects premature infants is NEC. It is a condition that results in intestinal tissue swelling and degeneration, which can have potentially fatal consequences. You can learn more here from the St. Louis Children's Hospital.

History of Cow’s Milk in US Baby Formula

In the United States, bovine milk has been used in infant formula since the early 1900s. Breastfeeding or handmade formulas produced from a variety of components, such as cow's milk, cream, sugar, and water, were the majority of infant feeding practices prior to this period. These handmade recipes could include dangerous microorganisms and frequently have irregular nutrient levels.

"Liebig's Soluble Food for Babies," the first commercial infant formula, was released in Europe in 1865. In order to replace breast milk, this formula was prepared from cow's milk, wheat and malt flour, and potassium bicarbonate. The first infant formula sold in the US was unveiled in 1921 by the pharmaceutical corporation Mead Johnson. Cow's milk, maltodextrin, and corn syrup were used to create the "DEXTRI-MALTOSE" recipe. Due to its expensive price and dubious safety, however, the public did not favor this recipe.

Mead Johnson introduced the first effective commercial baby formula in 1929. This formula, branded "Enfamil," was created using cow's milk that had been altered to resemble breast milk in composition. It was a vast advance over earlier formulas and quickly became favored by parents who couldn't or didn't want to breastfeed.

Bovine milk is no longer advised for preterm babies due to its greater protein content and potentially difficult-to-digest nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. Additionally, cow's milk is deficient in specific fats and proteins necessary for the growth and development of preemies.

How Common is NEC In Premature Babies?
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A 2016 study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that 8–10% of preemies who consumed formula had NEC, compared to 2-4% of those who only got breast milk. In 2020, a different study that was published in the same journal came to the same conclusion: formula use increased the risk of severe NEC in newborns with very low birth weights.

What NEC Symptoms Should Parents and Caregivers Look For?
  1. Early detection and treatment are essential for a successful outcome in NEC. The following are some signs of NEC in preterm babies:
  2. Infants with NEC may have trouble tolerating feedings, and they may vomit or exhibit other symptoms of feeding intolerance.
  3. Infants who have abdominal distension may notice that their stomachs feel tight to the touch and swell up.
  4. Stools that are bloody: Babies with NEC may pass stools that are bloody or mucusy.
  5. Apnea or bradycardia: NEC can affect the baby's respiration, resulting in pauses in breathing or bradycardia (a slow heart rate).
  6. Infants with NEC may be unresponsive or drowsy, and they may not be interested in being fed or interacting with their caregivers.
  7. Temperature instability: Due to NEC, an infant's body temperature may fluctuate, leading to either hypothermia or hyperthermia.
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How is NEC Treated and What is the Prognosis?

The severity of the condition and the infant's general health status determine the course of treatment for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature newborns. While mild cases of NEC may be treated conservatively, more severe cases may necessitate surgical intervention. The following are a few possible NEC treatments:
  • Feedings are frequently discontinued to give the infant's intestinal tract time to rest and repair.
  • Fluids administered intravenously: The infant may get fluids and electrolytes to help them stay hydrated and fed.
  • Antibiotics: To treat or prevent infection, antibiotics may be given to infants with NEC.
  • Monitoring: In order to spot any changes in the infant's condition, the vital signs, blood counts, and electrolyte levels will all be carefully observed.
  • Surgery: To remove damaged or dead tissue from the intestine in severe cases of NEC, surgery may be required.
  • The management of NEC can be challenging and may need for a team effort by neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, and other medical specialists. The treatment's main objectives are to repair the infant's digestive function and stop the intestinal tract from suffering additional harm. Many newborns with NEC can recover and go on to lead healthy lives with immediate diagnosis and treatment.
  • The severity of the condition, as well as how fast it is identified and treated, all affect the prognosis for newborns with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). While mild cases of NEC may respond to conservative therapy, severe cases may be life-threatening and necessitate surgery.
The risk of consequences for infants who need surgery for NEC may be increased. One such complication is small bowel syndrome, which can impair a child's capacity to absorb nutrition and may necessitate continuing medical care. To address the long-term effects of NEC, newborns may occasionally need long-term follow-up care and continuing medical treatment.
Infants with NEC have a mortality rate that fluctuates depending on how severe the ailment is, but is often between 10 and 30 percent. A higher risk of developmental delays and other health issues may later in life exist for infants who survive NEC.
What Are the Possible Legal Remedies for NEC Caused by Cow-Milk-Based Formula?

It is crucial to remember that not all cases of NEC are caused by formula and that the condition might have various causes, even if the use of formula containing bovine components has been linked to the ailment in some instances. Legal action against formula manufacturers who use bovine components for NEC in newborns generally relies on the particulars of each case. There may be legal remedies available to obtain compensation for your damages if it can be demonstrated that the newborn was harmed by the formula because it was faulty, contaminated, or in some other way harmful. If you think your child was harmed by poor formula in Missouri, you might be able to file a product liability claim against the formula maker or firm for making poisonous baby formula. Parents of premature infants with NEC have brought numerous lawsuits alleging that the parent companies, Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson, were aware of or ought to have known about the potential risks associated with their products, particularly the component of cow's milk known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, which is known to cause NEC, sepsis, failure to thrive, and other risks to premature infants. In spite of the overwhelming data showing the links to NEC, supporters of victims of substandard formula contend that these formulae were sold as a secure and advantageous source of nutrition and sustenance for preterm newborns. Advocates also claim that despite warnings from prominent medical professionals, these businesses neglected to learn more about the possible risks of their goods and irresponsibly failed to alert the public.

What Damages Can Be Awarded in Toxic Baby Formula Lawsuits?

A lawsuit may pay damages if a baby formula manufacturer is proven responsible for your child's necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Typical forms of remuneration or damages granted in lawsuits involving infant formula include:
Medical costs: Hospitalization, surgery, and continued medical management are among the expensive medical treatments for NEC. These costs could be covered by damages.

  • Pain and suffering: Because of their condition, infants with NEC may go through a lot of pain and suffering. For the infant's and their family's physical and mental suffering as a result of the ailment, damages may be granted.
  • Lost wages: If the parents of the infant are unable to work as a result of raising their kid with NEC, they may be eligible to compensation for their lost wages.
  • Future medical costs: Infants with NEC may need continued care, including long-term care for side effects such short bowel syndrome. Damages may be granted to pay for these foreseeable costs.
  • Wrongful death: When an infant dies as a result of NEC, financial compensation may be granted.
  • The particular damages assessed will vary based on the facts of each case. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist you in assessing the potential losses connected to your case and in pursuing the just recompense.


What Are the Qualifications to File an NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit?

To be eligible to join a Similac or Enfamil formula lawsuit, you must meet the following criteria:
  1. Your child must have been born prematurely;
  2. Your premature infant must have received Similac or Enfamil while in the hospital; and
  3. Your premature infant must have been diagnosed with NEC, sepsis, meningitis, bowel amputation, bacterial infection, bloody stool, abnormal bleeding, shortness of breath, fatigue, salmonella or death. 


St. Louis NEC Bad Formula Lawsuit Attorneys

It's crucial to know that you have legal options if you're a parent in Missouri whose premature child was diagnosed with NEC or unfortunately passed away from this life-altering disorder. The St. Louis Missouri-based Dreesen Law Group LLC can assist you in your quest for justice and financial recompense for the harm or loss suffered by your child. For decades, the firm has assisted individuals and families put their lives back together after suffering a terrible injury.
It takes a certain amount of time to file a poor formula lawsuit. Don't hesitate; act now by contacting Dreesen Law Group LLC for a free consultation and to find out how we can support you during this trying time. 636-588-5878.