We are currently investigating cases Nationwide involving baby formula-induced Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in prematurely born infants. 

NEC is a very serious intestinal issue when it occurs in premature babies and involves both the small intestine and colon. Reliable literature indicates NEC occurs in approximately 10% of babies born prematurely, affects 1 in 7 infants that weigh 1500 grams or less when born, and primarily occurs among premature infants born at or before 32 weeks. If a premature infant’s intestines becomes inflamed, it can cause the surrounding tissues to die off and the infant must undergo surgery to remove the sections of dead tissue. Approximately half of all NEC diagnosed and treated babies develop long-term health complications after treatment, such as intestinal stricture, “short-gut” syndrome, and cholestatic liver disease.

The problem? Baby formulas are primarily high calorie cow-based milk products and a premature child’s intestinal tract often simply has not developed enough to digest cow’s milk. Baby formula manufacturers such as Abbott Laboratories, Inc. (Similac) and Mead Johnson & Company (Enfamil) have known of the risks of NEC associated with their products for decades but have failed to warn that feeding premature infants cow’s-milk-based formulas may cause NEC.

Not only do the labels on baby formulas such as Similac and Enfamil fail to warn about NEC, they also fail to advise of safer alternatives which reduce the risk of NEC to a premature baby, such as using donor breast milk instead of formula manufactured with cow’s milk.

If your prematurely born baby developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) after being fed Similac or Enfamil contact us online or call 1-866-252-3535 for a free consultation.