Baby formula is an important resource for parents, and they trust that the baby formula sold is safe for their babies to ingest. Unfortunately, formula made from cow’s milk can harm preterm infants, and companies may not have disclosed this information. If your premature infant developed health problems after ingesting Similac, Enfamil, or another cow’s milk-based formula, read on.
What is NEC?
NEC stands for necrotizing enterocolitis. It is a gastrointestinal bacterial infection that premature infants are particularly susceptible to. NEC causes inflammation in the intestinal tract and can even cause permanent harm, like tissue death, in the intestines. It can also lead to holes in the intestine, and sepsis, and even death. Below are some of the most common symptoms of NEC in infants.- Pain and swelling in the stomach
- Fluctuations in heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure
- Diarrhea and bloody stools
- Abnormal breathing, congestion, or wheezing
- Green or yellow vomit
- Difficulty eating or gaining weight
- Lethargy
Does Similac cause NEC?
Many scientific studies have shown that preterm babies that ingest cow’s milk-based formulas like Similac and Enfamil are more likely to develop NEC. Most commonly, NEC occurs in infants between two and six weeks old. The fatality rate for NEC can be up to 50%, according to a 2021 study. One of the first studies to make this link between cow’s milk-based formula and NEC was a 1990 study showing that premature babies fed formula were ten times more likely to develop NEC. According to the study, “exclusive formula feeding could account for an estimated 500 extra cases of necrotizing enterocolitis each year. About 100 of these infants would die.”Should I contact an attorney about a baby formula lawsuit?
If you answer yes to all of the below criteria, you may qualify for an NEC lawsuit:- Your infant was born prematurely
- Your infant was fed Similac, Enfamil, or another bovine milk-based formula
- Your infant was diagnosed with NEC, gut rot, or dead bowel